Dad, Grab The Moment

Posted on April 8, 2011 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Personal

Alright Dad (and Mom, too!), here’s a little challenge for you. It isn’t hard, it won’t require a lot from you…but it’ll be worthwhile, I promise.

Today, and in the next few days, let me encourage you to do one thing that’ll make a difference in your child’s life: Pay attention to – and grab – the moment.

Here’s an example. Last night, my 12 year-old daughter, Tauvi, asked to play a bit on the computer. I told her yes, for a short while – but then I wanted to play a card or board game with her. She was good with that, and shortly we gathered at the dining room table for a card game. We enjoyed 25 minutes or so together, just the two of us. I made little comments, she made little jokes. I wasn’t trying to accomplish anything, really. There wasn’t a big agenda. I didn’t bring up anything serious. We just spent time together. It didn’t cost anything, and it wasn’t difficult to do this. All I had to do was pay attention to the moment. The payoff was great: I had almost half an hour of uninterrupted time with my girl. Priceless!

Another example. This happened today, actually. Earlier this morning I thought of my 9th grade daughter, Saige,and how it’d be fun to surprise her with lunch. I quickly calculated the time and expense, and decided it was worth the effort. So I hopped into the car, drove to the school and took her  to a nearby place for a bite to eat. It was less than $5 and an hour of my time, but the unexpected nature of our visit allowed things to be casual and relaxed. Just the environment for us to unwind and have some special time together. Another rather easy thing to do, this didn’t require pre-planning, or big expense. All that was really needed was for me to pay attention to and grab the moment.

By the way, as we drove back to school, Saige said something that pointed out how important taking advantage of “moments” can be.

“Just before you came, Dad, I was thinking about you. There’s something special about a daddy-daughter relationship, isn’t there?”

Wow. As I drove, I fought the urge to tear up.I could have lost it right there! And my heart welled up in gratitude to God. Saige got it! She knows that I love her – and that I like her. In this simple act she was reminded that I enjoy being with her. There’s something powerful in that knowledge, particularly for a teenager. When you show, through your actions, that you have time for your child, you’re giving a wonderful gift. And you’ll get something out of that investment, now and perhaps later, as well.

I’m so glad that I listened to that inner voice to engage with my kids, that I saw – and that I was able to grab onto – the  moment.

So, from one dad to another, let me encourage you to have your eyes open to the moments God gives you with your children, and to do something – almost anything, really – with your child. Spend some time together.

Make the moments count.

(By the way, I share similar stories and perspectives in my new book, First Time Dad, which comes out next month. Links to pre-order and some free related materials are over on the right sidebar of this blog…)

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