1 of 1

Hey Dad,

It's cold outside. Yesterday, they were predicting the possibility of snow. Yow! Luckily, it didn't snow, because if it had, I would have had to scramble to get ready for the celebration. What? Don't you celebrate the first snowfall of the year? You're kidding me, right?

About four years ago, I heard a gal on the radio tell how she gave each of her kids a new book on the first snowfall of the year. I was hooked right then and there.

So now I pick up a little something for each of the kids that has to do with snow. It might be a snowflake ornament from Wal-Mart, a fun new winter hat, or a cheap saucer sled. This year things are kind of tight, so I stopped by the Dollar General to see what I could find. I didn't buy anything (hoping I still have a few more weeks), but I saw all kinds of things like chapstick, gloves, pj's, and slippers—plus they're cheap!

When it actually does snow, we'll drink hot chocolate, and I'll give them their small gifts and a small card or bookmark that I'll print off of my computer reminding them of the first snowfall of 2003 and that I love them.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "Give me a break, Todd. Do we have to make everything a big deal?"

Answer: No, you don't have to. But why not give it a try? I'll probably spend less than 30 minutes investing in the big day, but the dividends are staggering. Because what we end up celebrating, is not the first snow … but the importance of family, and my commitment to them. Ker-ching!

It doesn't have to be the first snow, either (which for those of you in Michigan could have been in early July). It might be your child's first lost tooth, the birthday of your dog, or, if you live in the south, the first tropical hurricane of the season.

Take the lead, go the extra mile, and your family will know you're committed to them by your actions, not just by your words.

So pick an occasion and make it a good 'un!

You 'da dad!

©Copyright Todd Wilson, 2003. Used by permission.

 1 of 1

share this page

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter (All fields required)    RSS Feed   RSS Help