What time is it?

While traveling around in the blogsphere today I saw many of my friends had up "Monday Memories!". While not a part of that meme it did remind me of a sweet memory about our oldest daughter.

Becky was four and too young to go to Vacation Bible School but because I was involved as a teacher she got to go to a special pre-school class. The nursery was located in my living room as my husband was the pastor, and together we had 16 children (all under the age of 4). By noon we were both exhausted and very ready for Bible School to be over for the day.

An excited Becky came bounding into the living room. She loved Bible School, the kids, the refreshments, the crafts and then just as suddenly she asked, "What Time IS IT?"

I immediately decided she must be really hungry as it was lunchtime. So I sweetly said, "Oh of course, it's lunch time" and proceeded to make lunch for the three of us. After lunch my sweet loving daughter again said, rather impatiently....."What Time Is It?"

This time I was somewhat surprised at her tone.....But reasoned, she's trying to tell me she is tired from her busy day. So again, I said, "I know, it's nap time!" and tickled her and carried her to her bed.

After a long nap (which I needed more than she did) my impatient daughter again asked with more determination, "What time is it?" Again, being the wonderful mom than I am I immediately excused her tone thinking.....She's hungry again. So again I answered, "It's snack time for Becky!" After her snack she settled down to watch some cartoons.

I started the laundry and began to think about what I was going to make for dinner when my darling daughter climbed into my lap, held my face in her little hands and demanded again, "What time is it?"

By now I was irritated and said, sharply, " Why do you keep asking me what time it is? Do you have a date or something?"

My poor crushed in spirit baby, looked at me and with tears in her eyes and in her voice said..."It's time to serve the Lord!"

Apparently that was the theme of Bible School and it was a repeated question that they asked the children. I certainly felt like a "Spiritual midget. " My 4 year old had gotten the concept that it is always time to serve the Lord whereas her mom had gotten caught up in the business of life and totally let any joy escape me. I have taught in many Vacation Bible Schools but that is the only theme that I still remember after all these years.

Indeed, it's always time to serve the Lord. Thanks Beeks, for a lesson you taught me!