Time With Children
Yesterday I left the house at 7:45am and did not return until 9:00pm. This is not complaining, in fact, this is a short Wednesday for me. Typically, I leave and do not return until 11:00 or 12:00 o’clock at night. We have elder’s meeting on Wednesday evening. But mostly, on Wednesday I get to go home for a hour and a half during the day to have supper with the family. This post is not about my timetable, but about my daughter. When I arrived home last night, she mostly wanted all of my attention. She read to be a story, she showed me her handwriting from school, we counted on our fingers by tens, and then by fives. We spent 45 minutes talking about what it takes to be a adult, her answers, when you can get married, but then it was when you can raise children. Sounds good. It was plain to tell that she missed me, wanted my attention and focus. This was sweet, and what a precious gift to have in the home. I read to her, I sang with her, and we prayed together before she went to sleep. She wanted some daddy time. But this made me think. If I was gone this much every day, she would want my attention and focus for a while, I would return home to the loving attention of my daughter and son. But guess what, if I did this too often, too much, on too many days and nights, after a while, she would not come. She would learn to not need my attention, not expect my attention, and give up on having daddy time. This is a reminder for all ministers, men, and families, if you are gone too much, there is a point when your children will move on, and not want your attention. And this would be a sad day, but a day you predicted yourself.
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Wish we were getting down to see you and Charity and the Kids this year. Mother already got her tickets.
Matthew, you maybe could think about scheduling some home time on a Wed afternoon to be with your kids before you spend Wed nights out. Your first priority is to your family. If you have flexibility, use it. Set an example to your congregation. Far too many men (and women) work hours that are far too long. If you can change them do so! Anyone can pastor your congregation. Only YOU can father your children.
Thanks for the Advice Wendy, and Brother, we wish you were coming down too. It would have been fun.