Just as we were ready to leave, a famous coach—who had traveled across the country to California to participate in the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl game—arrived at Arrowhead Springs unannounced. He had driven all the way from Pasadena just to chat with me.
I faced a real dilemma. I wanted to visit with this great coach, whom I truly admired, but I also wanted to spend time with my sons. I had promised to take them for an afternoon of fun in the snow of the San Bernardino mountains. Should I tell him that I didn’t have time and risk offending him? Or should I put the boys off until another day?
Parenting children in a busy household poses special problems. The tension between ministry or business demands and the children’s need for loving attention frequently places burdens on the family. Our priorities guide our decisions.
So, what did I do about the coach who came to visit? Vonette tells it this way:
There have been many occasions when, because of unexpected emergencies, we have had to be flexible as a family. Bill could easily have postponed his mountain trip with Brad and Zac to meet with the football coach. However, he felt the need to be with our sons. So he visited with the coach for a few minutes, then tactfully explained—in presence of Brad and Zac—his prior commitment to them and set off to enjoy a day in the mountain snow with his two favorite guys.
And what a time we had!
I worked hard to communicate to my boys that they were one of my top priorities. But words are not enough. They needed to see it in my choices.
When Brad and Zac were young, I would come home for dinner even if my work for the day wasn’t finished. We had dinner together and often wrestled or played games until their bedtime. After tucking them in for the night I would return to the office to finish my work.
Our children learn about God through our words and our actions. Recently, I was deeply moved when Brad called to thank me for being a man of God. Through difficulties and pressures, you can build eternal values into your children that will continue long after you are gone. These will be passed on to your children’s children for generations.
Action Point: What choice can you make today to demonstrate to your children that they are a priority in your life? How can you show them your love and teach them about God’s love for them?
Excerpt from Building a Home in a Pull Apart World, by Bill and Vonette Bright
©2023 Copyright Bright Media