A Gift from Dad

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:1-6 ESV). Happy Birthday Kyle! Today is his 40th birthday… how did that happen so fast! If you don’t have your favorite shows recorded then I’m sure, like most of us, you grab the remote and flip to another channel during the commercials. I know some folks who toggle back and forth between stations during commercials with the “picture in a picture” feature on the sets! Usually I just endure them. One caught my eye not long ago though. It pictured a typical American family sitting down for breakfast before their day began. Mom was serving the table and Dad was sitting at the table reading his newspaper. The commercial soon broke out of this “dream” and pictured the reality of the hustle bustle of our world, but that was not what really caught my eye. It was in the scene when the Dad was reading the newspaper and oblivious to everything going on around him. Too many of us have let that lifestyle creep in and become the norm in our lives. John Trent tells a story about a family that he happened to be on a cruise with. While sitting on the deck, he overheard a young boy ask his mother, "But why, Mom? Why did he even bother to come?" He said that he could see the mother struggle to frame her answer. "Well," she said, "he’s here. And he paid for all of us to go on this trip." "He’s not here!" her son shouted. "He’s been on the phone or on his computer the whole time!" And then, came the shot to the heart: "Doesn’t he want to be with me?" When I read about that and thought about the illustration in the commercial I was struck with the need to reevaluate my time with all my family. Even though they are grown, I wonder how distracted and absent I have allowed myself to become with the responsibilities of daily life. They grow up so quickly. Let me make a suggestion. First, really look at your children. Pay attention to them and look at them, not past them to the next interesting thing on television. Do the same with your spouse. Take her hand or nod in understanding as you talk to her. Second, pray for them individually and specifically every morning before you begin the day. And, last find something to compliment them about each day before retiring for the day. Affirm them in some specific way, even if it is a small thing. I believe that if you will do these things, you will set a pattern for life that will change their lives in a way that will bring them great joy and happiness. How about it Dad? Give them a gift today! Give them a part of yourself! I certainly will do that myself, especially today for Kyle’s special day!