Key Bible Verse: And a voice from heaven said, "You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you" (Luke 3:22). Bonus Reading: Job 29:23-24

When I was a child, my dad was a busy pastor. And there were plenty of times his responsibilities kept him from being able to say "yes" to my requests for play. But when he did say "yes", it was special.

I remember fondly the times he and I stood out in our front yard and played catch with a baseball. He had a big first baseman's mitt, and at 6'6", he could reach almost anything I threw near him.

But what I remember most about those times wasn't really about baseball. I remember doing my very best and listening for his words of approval. I remember throwing as hard and as accurately as I could and trying to catch anything he threw at me. When I threw one at his feet that got past him, I remember running after it and telling him I'd get it. I didn't want him to get tired too quickly and cut short our time together.

Not every parent loves games or exercise, and not every schedule allows lots of time for play, but when our children, or spouses, ask us to do something with them, it's worth remembering that they may be asking for more than just play.

—Nate Adams in The Home Team

My Response: Today I'll show my kids are important to me by …

Thought to Apply: Children want to feel instinctively that their father is behind them as solid as a mountain but, like a mountain, is something to look up to. —Dorothy Thompson (journalist)

Adapted from The Home Team (Revell, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Help me, Lord, to be a constant, consistent presence in the life of my children, nudging them toward a life that pleases You.

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