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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 39:4-6a

Rick was with his family out at the lake, taking some well-deserved vacation time. They were getting ready to go fishing. As Rick walked along the dock toward the boat with his arms full of gear, he stumbled on a loose board. Flailing about to avoid falling in the water, he lost his cell phone in the lake. A half-hour later, he called off the search and resumed the day's plans.

That night before bed, Rick's 10-year-old son said, "Dad, I'm sure glad you lost your cell phone today. Because if you hadn't, you'd have been talking on it all day." Rick's first thought was, That isn't true. He just needed to be available if someone needed him. But then he realized the deeper message. His son perceived that sometimes Rick's work responsibilities were more important than spending time with him.

Sometimes we must shelve the urgent in favor of what's most important. We too easily let our work schedules rule our lives at the expense of investing in our families. Also, we need to remember the importance of focused attention. Have you ever caught yourself asking your daughter about her day while the evening news is on? Multi-tasking is great at work; it's not usually a good idea at home.

—Fathers.com Weekly

My Response: What pattern do I need to alter to really be there with my family?

Thought to Apply: The best gift a father can give to his children is the gift of himself. Material things mean little if there is not someone to share them with.—NEIL STRAIT

Adapted from Fathers.com Weekly (7/2/04) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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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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