Surprised and giving his boy a glaring look, the father said: “Look, sonny, not even your mother knows that. Don’t bother me now, I’m tired.”
“But, Daddy, just tell me please! How much do you make an hour?” the child insisted. The father, finally giving up, replied: “Twenty dollars per hour.” “Okay, Daddy. Could you loan me ten dollars?” the boy asked. Showing his restlessness and definitely irritated, the father yelled: “So that was the reason you asked how much I earn, right? Go to sleep and don’t bother me anymore!”
It was already dark, and the father was meditating on what he said and was feeling guilty. Maybe, he thought, his son wanted to buy something. So finally, trying to ease his mind, the father went to his son’s room. “Are you asleep, son?” asked the father. “No, Daddy. Why?” replied the boy, partially asleep.
“Here’s the money you asked for earlier,” the father said. “Thanks, Daddy!” rejoiced the son, while putting his hand under his pillow and removing some money. “Now I have enough! Now I have twenty dollars!” the boy said to his father, who was gazing at his son, confused at what his son had just said. Then finally, the boy said, “DADDY, COULD YOU SELL ME ONE HOUR OF YOUR TIME?”
That father should have been embarrassed and humbled!
The importance of quality time spent between fathers and children is invaluable. Children love to have their parents give them attention – they love time with their parents more than toys and friends. While it may be challenging for working parents to spend optimum time with their kids, it is imperative that they spend as much time as possible with them. It should be a priority. The moments that fathers spend with their children go a long way to build strong character in them.
Godly fathers love their children and are physically present in their lives. The absence of a father often leads to negative outcomes in children. Fathers not only should be physically present but emotionally involved and actively interested in their children.
Children who spend quality time with their fathers tend to be healthier. A father’s absence leaves a negative impact on children and can lead to increased stress.
Children grow more confident and develop higher self-worth by spending time with their fathers. The relationship makes the child feel affirmed and proud when his or her father gives them his valuable time and presence.
A Godly father prays for his children. He knows that he needs God’s help and understands that he is fallible. After all, God is the perfect Father. Scripture tells us in Matthew 7:11: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Fathers should pray with their children and for their children and be spiritual leaders to their families.
On the other hand, children should love and honor their fathers and show compassion, protection, and tender love toward them in their elder years. The Bible is clear about how we are to treat our parents. The circumstances reverse when we become older. Our parents desire OUR time and attention. Exodus 20:12 tells us, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” Honor means to regard with great respect or high esteem. It should be a privilege and a joy to love and serve our parents when become adults.
Sadly, however, some parents are absent in their children’s lives, they are even hurtful, and don’t deserve honor. In those cases, God expects us to do hard things: forgive them and pray for them. In adulthood, endeavor to be the person or parent they weren’t. Break the ugly cycle.
To all the good fathers and father-figures, it may seem that compared to mothers, you fall short in the eyes of the world, but be sure, you are loved and honored. You are role models, protectors, guides, and superheroes. Words fall short to describe your importance in the lives of your children. Your value has no price! Happy Father’s Day!
SPEND TIME WITH THOSE YOU LOVE. ONE OF THESE DAYS YOU WILL EITHER SAY, “I WISH I HAD,” OR “I’M GLAD I DID.”
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