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"?

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)