I Samuel 9

Insight

Saul set out to find lost donkeys and ended up finding his life’s purpose. As parents, we often feel like we’re just "chasing donkeys"—navigating lost socks, forgotten permission slips, and endless daily logistical fires. The Malbim notes that Saul’s father, Kish, was a man of substance, yet his "success" started with a mundane, frustrating errand. Sometimes, the detours that feel like wasted time are actually the path to where we are meant to be. Trust your process; even in the chaos of the "donkey hunt," you are building the foundation for your child's future.

Text Snapshot

"Once the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish went astray... [Saul] traversed the [entire] territory of Benjamin, and still they did not find them." I Samuel 9:3-4

Activity

Next time you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an appointment with your child, don’t reach for a screen. Ask: "If this errand is our 'donkey hunt,' what's the most interesting thing we've seen on the road today?" Turn the frustration of a detour into a 5-minute "curiosity scavenger hunt" to find one funny or beautiful thing in your surroundings.

Script

Child: "Ugh, this is so annoying! Why do we have to be here?" Parent: "I know, it’s not where we planned to be today. But sometimes the best stories happen when the plan goes sideways. Let’s see what we can learn (or find) while we wait."

Habit

The "Pivot Pause": When a plan fails this week, take 10 seconds to acknowledge the frustration, then name one "silver lining" of the change. It models resilience for your kids.

Takeaway

Your "lost donkeys"—the interruptions and failures—are not distractions from your parenting; they are part of the journey. Keep going.