Can We Color?

Disney on Ice was in town and I decided it would be the best mother-daughter bonding time. My husband was not thrilled about the cost, but I convinced him it would be worth it. I researched the arena for the best possible viewing experience and called my brother who had already taken his daughter to see if he had any suggestions. Before buying the tickets, my husband suggested I ask my daughter to make sure she wanted to go. Although I was certain she would be thrilled, I obliged.

My energetic offer was met with lukewarm enthusiasm. My six-year-old daughter thought it sounded “kinda fun,” but was involved in her current princess show. I apparently interrupted her. I was totally surprised. I expected her to jump up and down, screaming thank yous, and run to hug me. I was wrong. So, I asked if she was interested in spending what we call “special time” with me. She replied with a resounding yes, followed by, “Can we color?”

What!?! Color? I just offered to take you to an expensive Disney show complete with dancing princesses and you just want to color? Okay, so I didn’t say that, but I certainly thought it. I had to thank my husband for his wisdom amidst my eagerness to plan something fun with my little girl.

As we spent time later that day doing simple things together, I wondered if God just wants to color with me too. I can be eager to dive into a new book study, read various devotions, or catch up in my chronological Bible reading and forget about the relationship. While study and scripture are important ways to learn and grow closer to Christ, I sensed God saying, “Just color with Me. Don’t try to plan an extensive study time, just be with Me.”

I’m still convicted of this. I want to pay attention to my time with God. Am I always about planning something special, or do I stop to pray, to worship, and to just be with God? Of course I’ll still do spectacular planned activities with my daughter, just like I will with God, but I want to remember the precious simple moments too. Minutes and hours of time don’t need to be structured, they just need to be.

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