Train Up A Child...
"Quality time versus quantity time has been the discussion. Last week the emphasis was on the amount of time a parent has with their children. This is vital, especially in the formative years. But, to be realistic, we must look at the single-parent household and the career-minded household. The first may have been unavoidable, but the second most likely was self-centered and now the parents are in a mold from which they cannot easily break.
Since the amount of time is limited, there must be special attention given to the quality of time. Close attention must be paid to special events, school activities, and church activities. There should be a time when the parent can be with the child every day and effort must be made to make that time productive. Here is an important warning: do not try to buy your child's time with gifts or money. It is the individual that counts.
I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my Dad, but I can remember the times we did. I look at them now, forty years later, and smile thinking of them. I can remember the times that Grandpa took me fishing. It was an effort on his part to put up with a little kid. Of course, holidays were always very special.
Jesus spent three years discipling a group of men. Only three years, but He left the groundwork for which these men would begin a movement that would turn the world upside down. He made special effort to be with these men. When He needed His time alone, He made sure that it would not interfere with the discipling of these men. In other words, He took time with them.
Spend as much time as possible with your children. The quantity of time is important. However, be sure and made time for special events and occasions. If, for one reason or another time is limited, make sure to spend quality time.
Two important things to remember. First, the job of the parent is to prepare their child, properly, for this life and for eternity. Second, do not break promises. If you have scheduled an event with one of your children, be sure and keep that promise.
Ira
Since the amount of time is limited, there must be special attention given to the quality of time. Close attention must be paid to special events, school activities, and church activities. There should be a time when the parent can be with the child every day and effort must be made to make that time productive. Here is an important warning: do not try to buy your child's time with gifts or money. It is the individual that counts.
I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my Dad, but I can remember the times we did. I look at them now, forty years later, and smile thinking of them. I can remember the times that Grandpa took me fishing. It was an effort on his part to put up with a little kid. Of course, holidays were always very special.
Jesus spent three years discipling a group of men. Only three years, but He left the groundwork for which these men would begin a movement that would turn the world upside down. He made special effort to be with these men. When He needed His time alone, He made sure that it would not interfere with the discipling of these men. In other words, He took time with them.
Spend as much time as possible with your children. The quantity of time is important. However, be sure and made time for special events and occasions. If, for one reason or another time is limited, make sure to spend quality time.
Two important things to remember. First, the job of the parent is to prepare their child, properly, for this life and for eternity. Second, do not break promises. If you have scheduled an event with one of your children, be sure and keep that promise.
Ira