Which of the following are similar to the ways you've served Christ in your family? [check all that apply]
• Taught your kids to see God's glory in nature
• Washed the dishes without being asked
• Played a board game with your kids
• Encouraged your wife to finish her master's degree
• Attended a child's open house at school
• Worked fewer hours to be with your family
• Set an example of a godly prayer life for your children
• Held a crying child
• Swung on the tire swing with your daughter
• Told your wife why you're still in love with her
• Told your son he's got what it takes
• Coached soccer
• Let you child correct you now and then
• Fixed the vacuum cleaner
• Taught your sons to ride a bike
• Listened patiently to a complaint of your wife
• Taped your child's artwork to your office wall
• Admitted to your kids that you were wrong
• Told your children how Christ entered your life
• Cleaned up vomit
• Taught your children to love books
• Been romantic without expecting sex
• Told your daughter she's smart/beautiful
• Set standards for your kids and stuck to them
• Dealt graciously with a busybody neighbor
• Peeled carrots
• Watched movies together
Parents Day Theme of the Week: Youngster Time-Sharing Monday, November 11, 2002
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November/December 200256Parents DayTheme of the Week: Youngster Time-Sharing Parents Day Theme of the Week: Youngster Time-Sharing Monday, November 11
Key Bible Verse: The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him (Psalm 103:13). Bonus Reading:Hebrews 13:5–6
I was heading out the door for work, feeling pushed for time and preoccupied. My son Johnny asked if I was coming to visit his class that day for the hour when parents were invited. I started to snap "no" but felt a discernible tug. Something—Someone—invited me to think things over. I told Johnny I'd be there.
When I arrived at Johnny's class, all but two or three children had parents there. Johnny's face lit up. For the next half-hour he sat in my lap as we joined in the activities. We were each to draw a picture—not a task I enjoy, being unable to draw a straight line.
I looked at Johnny's picture: clouds, snow, one tree, and what looked like Barney the dinosaur with a human face. Underneath my son had a caption: "I'm thankful for God, my dad, and snow." I felt good about the sequence.
When it was time for the parents to leave, Johnny grabbed me and said, "I can't let you go."
What if I hadn't come? I mused. What if he'd sat all alone while other kids were surrounded by their parents? How long will I carry in my heart that picture that says, "I'm thankful for God, my dad, and snow"?
—John Ortberg in The Life You've Always Wanted
My Response: Am I too preoccupied to really hear what my children are asking of me?
Thought to Apply: Quality moments with your children come out of spending as much time with them as you can. —Kevin Leman (broadcaster)
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