Friends and Family,

The title of this comes from a classic message from Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family.  This was an incredible message addressing dads and the importance of dads being present. FOTF’s research showed that on average a dad spends 37 seconds per day talking with each child; not time caring for but time actually talking with their kids.

This title also has very significant meaning to me sinceI didn’t grow up knowing my biological father. Because of that movies like Hope Floats and The Rookie have a special place in my heart.  And the song “Cats in the Cradle” well let’s just say it doesn’t make me laugh. You know the lyrics:

“My son turned ten just the other day. He said, “Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let’s play. Can you teach me to throw?” I said, “Not today, I got a lot to do.” He said, “That’s ok.” And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed, said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah. You know I’m gonna be like him.”

“And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the man in the moon. ”When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then.”

“I’ve long since retired and my son’s moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.” He said, “I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time. You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got the flu, but it’s sure nice talking to you, dad. It’s been sure nice talking to you.”And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, he’d grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.

“And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the man in the moon. “When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, dad. You know we’ll have a good time then.”

As Dr. Dobson prepared for the Where’s Dad message, he asked his now grown daughter what is the biggest problem with today’s dads. Her answer was curious but so telling – “Tomorrow.” She explained further by providing an example: “Can we have a catch Dad?” “No, I have too much to do. How about tomorrow?”

Philippians 2:4 “Be not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

What can you do today with your kids?

In His Service,

Ed