Home > Men > Live by His Power > Monitor my talk
Men of Integrity, May/June 2000
| Powerful Words |
Wednesday, June 14
|
Fishing for Words
Key Bible Verse: As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him (Psalm 103:13). Bonus Reading: Exodus 4:10-12.
When
I was 12, a surprising thing happened. Dad asked me to go fishing with him. He
was a busy executive, rarely around on weekends. We got along but never had a
serious conversation unless I was in trouble at school. I was flattered.
On Saturday we headed for
the marina, rented a boat and found a promising spot. Once we were settled,
Dad said, "Son, I can see that you're changing from a boy to a man and
that's a good thing. But I think you may also find this to be a confusing time."
Dad proceeded with the
coming-of-age talk. At times he groped for words, but he didn't miss a thing.
When he'd finished, I sat there, feeling the movement of the boat and the wind
in my hair, wondering if I was dreaming. "Dad," I said, "having
you talk to me like this is what I've always wanted, but I didn't think you'd
want to."
He smiled and shook his
head. "I've always had a hard time talking to you kids. But I want you
to know I care about you, that I'm here if you need to talk to me about anything."
I don't remember if we caught any fish that day. I do remember finding out for
the first time that my dad really was my friend.
—R. S. in Sons: A Father's Love
Personal Challenge:
- How do your kids see you? Take some time to
really talk to them this week. Make it a habit.
Thought to Apply: It takes courage to stand
up and speak, as well as to sit down and listen.
Credits: Adapted from— Wednesday:
Bob Carlisle, Sons: A Father's Love (Word, 1999)
Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of
Integrity. For reprint information click here.
May/June 2000, June 14, 2000
To sign up for a free trial of Men of Integrity click
here.
To order multiple copies of Men of Integrity for your men's group,
click here.
Men of Integrity
Connect with God | Transform my Mind | Live by His Power
Relate Better | Make an Impact
Home | Archives | Contact Us
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Men of Integrity
Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Men of Integrity as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
