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Key Bible Verse: Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Bonus reading: Psalm 90:10–17

My son, John, was playing basketball in a nearby city at 4:00 p.m. on a weekday. Since I can arrange my schedule, I decided to drive to the game with my wife. When we arrived, I was surprised to see only one other father in the bleachers, still wearing his tie. We sat down next to him, and I said, "Isn't it great to be able to watch our sons play?"

"It sure is," he said. "I really wanted to come but I know I shouldn't be here."

"Oh, yeah?" I blurted out. "According to whose value system?"

The man explained that he felt he was letting his fellow office workers down. We discussed this, agreeing that a false sense of guilt drives many men to neglect their families. We also agreed that the desire for an ever-increasing prosperity drives many men to create so many debts and duties that they operate too close to the edge. Their worlds are wired so tight that two hours off might topple their kingdom.

Obviously, the jobs of many won't allow them to take in an afternoon game. But I couldn't help wondering, Where are the men who could take off? A missed game is gone forever.

—Patrick Morley in The Seven Seasons of a Man's Life

My Response: How am I doing at sorting out false guilt from the real thing?

Thought to Apply: The best gift a father can give to his children is — his time. For material things mean little if there is not someone to share them with. —Neil Strait

Adapted from The Seven Seasons of a Man's Life (Zondervan, 1995) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, help me carve out the time to be a good earthly father.

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