I think a huge part of teaching availability is modeling it. I guess this post (as well as yesterdays) is about how to make yourself available so you can model it to your homes. God was good at giving me opportunities. My husband and I were in the midst of trying to find a babysitter so we could go on a date when a friend texted and said they were boating on the lake and wanted to see if me and the kids wanted to come out for a bit. I said yes, and I called my husband asking him if he wanted to postpone our date to make ourselves available to have these friends over for dinner. He said yes, and it was on. I think God is good. He provided this opportunity, and I had “coincidentally” defrosted enough salmon the day before to be able to whip up a quick dinner for all 10 of us. Availability is simply letting go of your own agenda for the benefit others and building relationships. It’s amazing how we were blessed in the process. First of all, we had a great time on the lake before dinner. Secondly, we had amazing conversation that really was a uplifted us all. Fostering our marriage is so important, and we will still do a date. However, we’re super glad we made this opportunity. And yes…we did stick our 20 month old in a tube. He loved it. He kept saying, “Fast! Fast!”
