Is your little boy waiting for you to come home so he can tell you about the funny thing that happened in school today?

Did he get to tell you, or was the other "news" on TV just then?

Is the little girl crying herself to sleep again, because she just wanted a bedtime story, but you had to make a call and talk to someone else instead.

She may not even ask next time.

These are our precious children, and when we say we love them,

Do they really know it in their hearts?

They will remember when you switched off the TV and said, "let's take a walk and chat about the day we've both had."

They won't forget the effort you made to have a special quiet time to read their favourite story at bedtime.

These are the days that the Lord has made, for spending time together,

For building memories, for sharing magical moments and for being awake to the truth of "living in the today" of our children's lives!

A child's prayer at bedtime:

"Jesus keep me free from harm,

In my bed so safe and warm."

That we may become more aware, more caring and less "busy", less distracted.

This prayer I offer up with hope and optimism in my heart, dear Jesus, may it be carried to you in heaven, and may our hearts become like yours, bringing true caring into the lives of the children we love.