Moving Rapidly

Faster planes, trains, and automobiles have become standard fare. We have someplace to go. We want to get there faster. Each industry upgrade brings improvements with new and faster methods using technology. A.I. is a thing. Everyone can identify new tools in modern day tool boxes as a benefit for faster response time for things important.

Who isn’t happy to receive same-day-delivery of an item desperately needed? It might be something automotive, medical, or agricultural. The missing piece or part may arrive across the ocean in shipping containers or in a tiny box placed in our mailbox. Everything and everyone is speeding up. It’s a thing.

This weekend Bryan Martinez, Youth and Family Minister at Journey Church Cynthiana is sharing a back-to-school message for parents and kids. I’ve read his notes and seen his outline. If you have kids back in school this fall, his message will be helpful and informative.

Here is one of the main take-aways—parents and children need to stay in tune and touch with one another. Now that school bells are ringing again, everyone has accelerated their pace in multiple directions. Parents have busy home and work schedules; added now into the flurry of family activity is children and students with their school day.

A wise friend of mine once told me in a leadership session:  “Research confirms most industrial accidents happened during a shift change.” My friend explained that when workers change shifts, things easily get overlooked. One worker is coming to work, another is leaving. The hand off is where something bad can happen.

I find this a great illustration for families returning to busy schedules with fall school back in session. It’s like a shift change in a busy factory. Misunderstandings can quickly arise. The key people are all moving fast, wanting to go in various directions at once. Our homes can become a revolving door; we pass each other in the family kitchen with few details.

How do you do it?  What’s your secret?  We assume the pre-flight checklist has been covered by dad or mom. How do you stay engaged and connected as parents and people and kids with busy life? Do you have a morning/night check-list like a pilot flying a plane with passengers? If planes need a checklist to arrive safely home—families certainly deserve the same level of attention.     

Bryan’s message this weekend points out the importance of having good friends at school. Like I’ve said, we can lose touch and contact with the people we love most. Let’s make some time in our busy weekend schedule, grabbing a few tips from a young dad himself. He and Bridgett are now parents of two beautiful girls. I am sure the message he will share is heartfelt and helpful.

We are better together.