Love Connection

Today has been an office day so far.  The big task today? Recording radio shows for the next month.   It has proved to be a very busy week so far, but a good one.  I have spent a lot of time talking to people and praying for people.  This is not the point of my post, just warming up.  :)

My daughter dropped by the office today just to catch a quick hug and an "I love you."  I LOVE That!!  :)  That got me thinking about the last few days.  Even though it has been busy, I have been working hard to make sure that I make time with my family.  Sarah and I captured two whole nights to ourselves which was great.  The other morning, I got up extra early to allow my overtired wife to sleep in and as I sat at breakfast with the kids, we ended up having a great time reading the story of Nehemiah straight out of my daughter's Bible.  They were really interested and kept asking me to read more.  Then we discussed what they had heard and what they thought about it.  A great start to the day.  Then last night, Sarah was again still not feeling well and tried to rest up before a joint counseling session we had last night with someone.  I fixed the kids supper and we sat and had great discussion about their day and life.  Then, before bed, we did our normal family devotions but then, because we were ahead of schedule, we were able to read some more Nehemiah which they were all excited about.  It gave us more great discussion and a great prayer time together at bed.  I love hearing their observations and thoughts on these things.

I share all that to give a picture of how much fun we are having together and the important bonding times.  I doubt that the youngest will remember our reading or discussion.  It is not very likely that my five-year-old son will remember what we read or discussed the last two days.  BUT...if Sarah and I keep this up, they will remember the time, the attention, the love, the connection that we share as we do these things together.  Children bask in love, attention, praise, and above all, TIME.  I continue to believe that my first job in being a pastor is to shepherd the flock that lives in my house.  If I cannot lead them, I have no business leading anyone else.

So dads, I know you're busy.  I'm wicked busy.  But no job, hobby, duty is higher than your wife and your children.  They need our presence, attention, and time as an act of our love.