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Hey Dad,

How are things going in the dad department? It's a tough, thankless job, isn't it?

The kids demand, whine, and wear you down like coarse, 60-grit sandpaper. But, God has placed in the heart of every girl and boy (no matter what age) the desire to be close to their dads.

It's annoying at times, especially when you're trying to get something done. Like yesterday … I was working in my basement office when I looked up to see my seven-year-old son dressed in winter gear and covered in snow.

"Hi, Sam," I said, glancing up from my computer screen. "Whatcha doing? Playing out in the snow?" I asked as if it wasn't obvious.

"Yeah," he answered, "we're trying to build a snow fort, but it's not working."

I tried to talk him through snow fort basics while avoiding going outside to help him.

He smiled, thanked me, and left.

Five minutes later, Ben, our oldest, stepped through the door and said, "Can you come out and show us how to make a snow fort?"

"Sure, Ben, but not right now."

"When can you come out?" he persisted.

"Later," I answered, but I meant "never."

A few minutes later, God poked me in the chest and said, "Go."

"Go into all the nations and preach the gospel?" I asked, trying to sidestep the issue.

"No. Go play in the snow with your kids."

I knew that's what He meant. I trudged upstairs and grumbled to my wife that I was going out to play in the snow. She smiled understandingly.

I went outside, and we all had a great time throwing snow, building a snow fort, and laughing together.

And to think I came within a hair's breadth of missing that. Not only would I have gypped them out of having fun with their dad, but I would have missed out on the best that God has to offer.

I know that spending time playing in the snow is more valuable than spending time pounding away on my computer, but it comes with a price. I may not make as much money and achieve all that I want, but my kids don't care. They'd pick spending time together with their dad any day over those other things.

So would your kids.

Dad, it's time do the things that they've been begging you to do, because your children need you.

You 'da Dad,

© 2007 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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