Recently I had opportunity to talk with a family therapist. This lady wasn't a Christian (or at least gave no indication of being one), but she is extremely concerned about families.

When a child is in a lot of trouble and has totally frustrated the school system and the next step is foster care - the courts call her. She is the family's last hope. If the kids/parents don't listen to her and get back on track, the children are taken away from their homes.

She mentioned how disappointing it is to travel maybe a hundred miles to meet with parents - only to have them NOT be there because they "forgot."  (Even though this could be a life-changing visit for the children.)

But I thought the most interesting thing she said was "I have never seen a family get to this point IF the parents spend time with their kids."

Time.

Time is free. (None of us pay for time.)

Time is equal. (We all have the same amount of time.)

Time is can be used wisely or foolishly.

How much time do you spend with your kids each day?

How much time do you spend listening to their chatter (and granted, sometimes that chatter is silly)?

How much time do you spend helping them with a homework problem or showing them how to bake cupcakes or build a birdhouse?

How much time do you spend helping your child learn a verse?

Give your child the gift of time.