River — Joni Mitchell

“It’s coming on Christmas.”

Those opening words take me somewhere personal. I used to perform Joni Mitchell’s “River” with my daughter, Olivia. Hearing it now brings back the gift of sharing a song with her, something I will always treasure.

Music has a way of holding moments that the calendar cannot keep. A familiar melody returns, and suddenly you remember what it felt like to make music together.

To every parent reading this: savor every second with your children. They are grown before you know it.

Listen when they speak. Learn what makes them laugh. Let them show you their favorite song. Make room for the ordinary afternoons, the unfinished conversations, the little things that seem so easy to postpone.

We cannot recognize every precious moment while we are living it. But we can practice paying attention.

For me, this song carries gratitude alongside the ache of passing time. I am thankful Olivia and I had those moments together. Whatever changes the years bring, that shared music remains part of my story as her father.

Christmas can stir all kinds of feelings. Joy, longing, tenderness, regret. We can bring every one of them before Christ, asking Him to teach us how to love more patiently and live more faithfully today.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” — Psalm 127:3

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Those verses remind me that our children are entrusted to us, and our time together deserves care. Parenthood calls us to keep learning, keep listening, and take responsibility for the love we give.

If you have an opportunity to sing together, take it. If you have an opportunity to sit quietly and listen, treasure that too.

Olivia, I am grateful for every song we shared.

May God bless our children, guide our steps, and help us cherish the moments we have today.

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I love You, Jesus.