Who Said It
Norm Wakefield

Norm Wakefield is professor of pastoral ministry at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. A former pastor, he is also a conference speaker and author. Dr. Wakefield's books draw on his training in psychology and Christian education, and are directed toward helping Christians live joyfully and productively in relationships with others. They include You Can Have a Happier Family and—co-authored with Josh McDowell—The Dad Difference.

What He Said
It's About Time

One Sunday when my family was eating lunch, I said to the kids, "I'm going to give each of you a gift today." Their eyes lit up with eager, inquisitive expressions. "I'll give each of you 30 minutes. I'll do whatever you want to do during that time." Their squeal of delight was as energetic as if I'd presented an attractively wrapped gift.

I asked Amy what she'd like to do. "I want to go for a walk with you, Daddy." So we walked through our neighborhood hand in hand, and stopped for an ice cream cone.

When we returned home, Joel said he wanted to wrestle on the front lawn. So we wrestled for 30 minutes.

Then I asked Jill, about to enter kindergarten, what she wanted to do. "I'd like to sit on your lap on the back porch lounge chair and have you read to me." So we read.

That afternoon I learned how significant the gift of time is to our children. When given eagerly and generously, it pays rich dividends.

Adapted from The Father Connection (Broadman & Holman, 1996) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You've appointed me to be Your ambassador to my family. Help me to faithfully represent You.

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