GD&D's - My children were just recently baptised, but before this happened my wife and I had to meet "Father Bill" and discuss the joy a child brings to the world and the importance of being there for them. As I sat there staring at a painting in his dining room of a cottage on a lake...wishing I was there...I heard him ask me if I have regular dinners with my wife and children? I luckily awoke from my daydream and said "I try to be there..." and he looked at me and said "it's not a choice, it's a must"!
If I was to think selfishly, I could have argued about how difficult it is to 'work hard, fight traffic, etc.' and ALWAYS be home for the kids, but I didn't. Instead, I started really thinking about the impact my presence actually has (he started talking about something else at this point) and realized simply, if I'm not there - who is??? I obviously realize my wife would be there (which I appreciate...see previous blog), but what they're missing is MY input...my life lessons, my laughter, my tears, my discipline, my hugs, my kisses, my strength, my comfort, my protection, my life!
This is not an easy task, if you're reading this and thinking what I initially thought...that life makes time with our kids almost secondary! What I actually took away from Father Bill is that; he's correct in his belief that, being there for your children is a 'must' and not a 'choice'!
Ironically, I already thought I put my children and family first, but realized...not always...and that's what I need to work on.
Our children need and love us, so think twice the next time you want to put "a show" on the television instead of playing or simply talking to them.
