After Ben was born, time spent with Ethan and Darren has dramatically decreased. Thankfully, they play well together generally and are independent, so I am able to take care of a new born without too much conflict except for my own guilt. Ethan and Darren have been very understanding and have not complained about being neglected.

As soon as I felt back to normal, I tried to go back to our normal schedule, including homeschooling and bedtime routine of reading books, the Bible, and praying with the boys. But, recently, I stopped the bedtime routine with the boys, trying to get Ben to sleep at an earlier time regularly. Ethan and Darren did not mind reading books themselves, so I did not pay too much attention to this change. Until recently, God started to show me how little time we spent together reading God's word, talking about the principles behind it, etc. Since they go to school now, I only get to spend 4-5 hours with them everyday. Most of the 4-5 hours are usually spent on homeworks, dinner, and bedtime routine (by themselves).

So, today, I decided that we will go back to spending time together before they go to bed, reading books that they pick as well as God's word and pray together. Before, I usually tried to rush it through so that I can have a quiet time myself. Even bedtime prayers were different. I used to take turns praying with the boys before they went to bed, but because I want to get it over with, I started to close the bedtime routine by prayer myself. Tonight, we took turns praying again, and I was so blessed to hear how much Darren's prayer has changed. He's praying like an adult now; from the words and phrases he used to the content of his prayer. I was just so happy and impressed how much he's grown.

At school, they start and end their day with devotionals, prayers. I was so speechless and though what a great job they are doing at the boys' school. At the same time, I know that this can't be an excuse for me not to continue to spend time with them in God's word and prayer. I am thankful and encouraged to press forward in training them in their walks of faith.