Yesterday morning my heart was burdened to give my younger boys some undivided attention. I couldn’t think of anything good to do. I was stumped and my creativity battery was dead. I often take them with me on errands, or ministry trips but it is easy to be distracted during those times. Most days I have them read in the next room while I work but even then they do not have my full attention. If I go to too many bookstores they groan, even if I offer to buy them over-priced, syrupy, fat-laden coffee drinks with foreign-sounding names.
Stumped I mentioned it to my Heavenly Father; “Lord, show me something to do with the boys today that would help them know I love them.”
My prayer was answered within an hour of the time I asked it. Danny came into my office and said; “Dad, Chuk said he isn’t going, is it OK if I go to with Mr. Schrader to the Ping Pong Club tonight? Wes was right behind him, eyes wide, on his tip toes waiting for an answer. I said, “Why don’t you let me take you, that way I can watch you play?”
Immediately I shot to hero status for the day. I took them and I didn’t take any other project to work on or books to read. (O.K. I did have a book to read but I left it in the car and didn’t read a word until all the boys games were over). They did a good job and win or lose they were polite and respectful. Watching them I realized that even though we still have a long way to go to manhood and the character of Christ, they are good boys and I am well-pleased with them.
They thanked me over and over for taking them and I thanked my Father for the idea. If you want to be a good Father, your Heavenly Father, who designed the whole fatherhood idea will always help you if you ask him.
Ken Pierpont
Riverfront Character Inn
Flint, Michigan
January 25, 2006
