The image above shows the product of weeks of fun, work and occasional frustration. This was my daughter’s first birthday present. I took an old piece of furniture, found on the side of the road, added some good old-fashioned time, paint and imagination and came out with something she will (hopefully) enjoy for a long time. So imagine for a second the anticipation I was feeling as this was being given to her. I was thinking of all the time I put into design, rebuilding, painting, making the oven have a light that turns on when the door opens and another that glows red to cook. I thought of the late nights, splinters and freezing temperatures I endured to produce this piece of art. So, I was excited to experience her reaction when this was presented. Now, you can imagine the crushing defeat when she was more interested in the IKEA felt cucumber than the blood, sweat and tears kitchen.
I soon learned my lesson. Later that night as I sat near the outcast kitchen along came my daughter who pulled herself up to her sink and began playing, not by herself but with ME. She could care less about the time I spent on the kitchen (someday I’ll make sure she does) what she cared about was time spent with her.
How often do we replace time spent with our kids with time spent for our kids? It seems like such a small difference but in reality it IS the difference. How often do we convince ourselves that working the extra hour will benefit them? I say this is the 2nd greatest gift we can give our children because the first is a Spiritual Legacy, however I consider them linked. You cannot create a spiritual legacy without spending time.
What have you done today to create a Spiritual Legacy?
What have you done today to spend time with your kids instead of spending time for them?
By the way, here is my little cook now. 
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