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Q. Okay, how do kids spell love?

A. They spell it T-I-M-E. Kids understand that dad needs to work and has obligations that sometimes interfere with attending their games or recitals. What they want to know is what's really important to you. Do you spend your free time glued to the television set? With friends? On the golf course or tennis court? Spout all the platitudes you want about how much you love your family, but your kids will decide for themselves what's really important to you by the way you spend your free time.

You speak from experience?

Yeah. I messed up pretty good when my sons were young. My competitiveness got the best of me, and I became obsessed with racquetball. I played four or five times a week, competing in tournaments around the country. Winning the national seniors title was one of the greatest thrills of my life. But on far too many weekends, I hopped in the car or boarded a plane just to compete for a trophy, while Pat's and my two greatest trophies were missing their dad.

One night, after a tournament in Detroit, it hit me. I thought, I'm an idiot. I'm running around the country to all these tournaments, while my family's back home without me. No more. That's it. I'm taking the first flight out of here, and I'm not going to miss opportunities to be home with my wife and children.

Fortunately, both boys were still under ten when I came to my senses. I've tried ever since to keep my family as my top priority after God.

Joe Gibbs, formerly coach of the Washington Redskins, owns Joe Gibbs Racing.

Adapted from Racing to Win (Multnomah, 2002) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

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

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