• Start Here
    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
  • Blog
    • Prayer
    • Spiritual Disciplines
    • Trusting God
  • Prayer for the Week
  • Store
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Prayer and Possibilities | Prayer - Discipleship - Spiritual Disciplines - Discernment - Trusting God

Prayer & Possibilities

  • Deepen Your Prayers
  • Develop Your Faith
  • Step Into God’s Possibilities
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / The Best Time Spent

August 20, 2014 ·

The Best Time Spent

Uncategorized

Time with loved ones

I had just walked in the door from work, barely had even set my laptop bag and purse down, much less caught my breath from rushing home or said ‘hello’ to my husband. The kids nearly tackled me for hugs and were telling me all about their day. Then came the question… “Mommy, will take us for a family bike ride?”

So many reasons to say “no” to that request. I was still in work clothes and really wanted a minute to settle into being home. It was August, so probably really hot outside, not typically a time of year for bike riding. What I explained to Ryan, though, was I had a pilates class later that evening so didn’t have time for a bike ride before dinner.

“But, Mommy, you’ll get your exercise on the bike ride!”

How do you argue with such logic from a 4 year old? So, I agreed to a compromise – a short bike ride around the block, not our usual longer ride all over the neighborhood.

As we rode, I realized what I would have missed had I stuck to my “no”. I would have missed this precious time with my kids. This time where we’re disconnected – no phones, no TV, no computer. Just outside exercising together. Usually a chance to talk and catch up on the day as we ride together through the neighborhood.

I did, in fact, get a good exercise that afternoon as our bike ride turned into a little more than just around the block. The weather was unexpectedly pleasant for August, so it turned out to be a nice evening for bike riding.

What better way to exercise than with my kids, helping to model an active lifestyle – something I’m just now learning myself as I’m raising two very active kids.

The best time spent is that spent with those whom we love.

Later, I did go to my pilates class. Double the exercise and double the blessings to spend time with both my kids and my friends.

How are you spending your time today?

 

Sharing with: #TellHisStory, Thought Provoking Thursday, Friendship Friday, Essential Fridays, Coffee and Conversation, Saturday Soiree, The Weekend Brew

Other Posts You May Like

Previous Post: « Facing Change in a World of Hurt
Next Post: Living Our Baptism as an Easter Moment »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ginger Biggs Harrington says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    A great reminder to think twice about those no’s. So glad you enjoyed a quick ride and a great memory. Visiting from Tell His Story.

    • Kathryn says

      August 21, 2014 at 5:37 am

      It’s hard to balance time with the kids and time to myself, especially when the split seems so unbalanced most days – but it was a great reminder that time together is always time well-spend. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. Linda@Creekside says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:30 am

    “But, Mommy, you’ll get your exercise on the bike ride!”

    No wonder kids teach us so much! There’s truth sprinkled from here to there …

    ;-}

    • Kathryn Shirey says

      August 21, 2014 at 1:09 pm

      Love how their young minds work and the gems they utter from time to time! And, he rode extra hard and made sure I did in fact get my exercise. 🙂 Love that he teaches me – and keeps me in shape!

  3. Candy Reid says

    August 22, 2014 at 5:58 am

    Such truth! I struggle with answering “No” way too quickly. I guess it comes from having a plate that’s too full. But, like you, I find that when I’m more intentional with answering “Yes” the blessings are always worth it!
    Thanks for sharing your article with us at Coffee and Conversation. Hope to see you again next week. 🙂
    ~Candy
    //momsmorningcoffee.com

    • Kathryn says

      August 26, 2014 at 4:46 am

      A plate that’s too full – yes! Unfortunately that always seems to be the case, but trying to prioritize all that’s on the plate and put these little ones first (even when a little quiet time is what I really want).

  4. betsydecruz says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:39 am

    Yes, Kathryn! I’ve been thinking lately of how I often view my kids and husband’s requests as “Interruptions!” Does that sound terrible, or what? But they’re not interruptions, they’re the most important people in my life. Today my husband and I took my daughter, who was struggling, out for ice cream. We had a great talk.I was so glad later that I did that.

    • Kathryn says

      August 26, 2014 at 4:48 am

      I know what you mean! I have ideas for how I want to spend my day and these requests often feel like ‘interruptions’ – but so often they’re wonderful moments together and time I get to be intentional with my kids.

  5. Gertrude Nonterah says

    August 24, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    I have a son who just turned one. I always have to remind myself that I have just about 17 years left with him where I can actually spend time with him and impact his life before he spreads his wings and flies away. I especially remind myself when I get worn out chasing him around the house getting him to wear his diapers.

    Thanks for sharing this post at Working Christian Mommy !!

    • Kathryn says

      August 26, 2014 at 4:37 am

      This parenting thing can be SO exhausting, but we do have such a brief time with them – and even shorter that they’ll want to spend time with us. Trying to remember to take advantage of these moments while they’re little. My oldest (at 6) is already showing so much independence – wouldn’t even let me take her to school on her first day! Wanted to walk to school all on her own. 🙁

  6. sarahgirl3 says

    August 25, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    Aww that is sweet! Sweet that he asked, and sweet that you accepted. I know I sometimes waste moments now with my girls. They won’t always want to be with me!

    • Kathryn says

      August 26, 2014 at 4:33 am

      I know I need to take advantage of this brief time when they want to spend time with Mom – even though it can feel overwhelming in this season, I know it’s a very short season before they’ll be off on their own.

  7. Candy Reid says

    August 26, 2014 at 7:06 am

    Such truth! Thanks so much for transparently sharing your heart AND for sharing this post with us at Coffee & Conversation. I hope to “see” you again on Wednesday!
    Blessings,
    Candy
    //momsmorningcoffee.com

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi, I'm Kathryn! I'm glad you're here to journey with me! I'm just an ordinary girl following an extraordinary God, learning to seek God's possible in this world of impossible. Fueled by loads of coffee, I'm passionate about helping and encouraging you along this journey, too! Let's step forward together and learn practical ways to live into God's possible! Read More…

Lookup a word or passage in the Bible


BibleGateway.com

Footer

Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 · beloved theme by Restored 316

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT