We have now been living in Hawaii for 3 months already! Surprisingly, one of my favorite things to do is to just go and sit on the beach. I say surprisingly, because I don’t particularly like the beach. I hate sand. I don’t like heat. The sun is bright. And did I mention…I hate sand! But I LOVE listening to the waves crash against the shore. There is nothing quite like a Hawaiian sunset, and the salty breeze off the ocean is quite refreshing.

The nearest beach from our rental home is less than 1/2 mile away and a quick easy walk. In fact, the convenience of being able to walk to the beach is the reason we stayed in our current rental home and continue to battle through the heat. You see, if you live even a mere 700 feet higher in elevation, the cool ocean winds blow through your open windows and keep your home at much cooler temperatures. But instead, we opted to swelter during the daytime hours so we could enjoy the beach any time we want (we also have amazing landlords!)

Our walk to the beach leads us down a quiet road, graced with fragrant white plumeria trees on one side, and a large banyan tree, whose roots drip down from its branches, on the other. Just around the bend in the road, a little alley finds itself nestled between two tall bamboo fences. The walkway itself is lined with mulch and the ever abundant porous lava rocks. But the most endearing quality of the little pathway is the hand painted rocks that decorate its entire length. One of the kids’ favorite things to do is to scout out new additions to the collection of lovingly painted rocks, coral, and shells.

I have also learned that one of Sam’s (the 8 year-old) favorite things to do on our walks is…talk. Now, I don’t just mean a few short little sentences. I’m talking (no pun intended) from the moment we step out our front door until his feet hit the water, he is chattering. We’ve had discussions about all kinds of subjects: Minecraft, school, his friends, plans for new cardboard inventions (you’d be amazed at what you can make out of cardboard, masking tape, and imagination.) The list goes on…and on… My initial reaction at first was to tell him to just stop talking. Can’t I just enjoy a little quietude on our way to the beach? But then I looked over at his little face as he joyfully hops from one subject to the next. I asked him “Do you feel like our walks to the beach are quality time when we can talk?” Of course, his answer was an emphatic “Yes”! And so we named our short little excursions to the beach our “Walkie Talkies.”

I am reminded of a Bible study on parenting by Chip Ingram we participated in at a small group at our church, called “House or Home?” One of the things he says is (I’m paraphrasing, so bear with me) “If you don’t listen to the little things when they are small, they won’t tell you the big things when they are older.” Oh, how that has stuck with me! I want my children to know that I cherish the moments spent with them, that they are more important than what’s on my phone or what adult problem I might be contemplating.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

If Jesus, who certainly had more important things to do than myself, made time for children, then who am I to not make time for the little conversations with my kiddos? These are the conversations that make way for bigger and deeper conversations. These are the moments that grow our relationship and anchor their trust in knowing that their parents love them. These are the times when seeds are planted and with patience and hope in the Lord, we will raise children who love Jesus and love others.

So I’ll keep embracing the moments, whether it’s a trip to the store, sipping lattes on the lanai, or late night texts conversations. And I’ll keep taking “walkie talkies.” I’ll listen to how dung beetles roll poo into their chambers to feed their babies, and how giant wasps lay their eggs inside of tarantulas so their babies can eat them from the inside out…because these are precious seconds I don’t want to waste!