I have been reflecting on the number of times that my wife, kids and students have wanted my attention. Further, I have been doing some self-evaluation on how much time that I have been selfish and just "Blew them off". It is scary and yes...embarrassing!
To say that my wife has wanted my attention and I have failed to give it on more than one occasion would be an understatement. As I have grown older; I have found this situation more with my children than my wife. My wife will give me subdual and not so subdual body language that tells me, I need to listen. Frankly, she is extremely patient and God was extremely good to me in sending her. The situation that I really need to watch for is when my teenage daughters approach me while I am watching the History Channel and say something like Dad, “How do you know when God is talking to you?” or “Dad how long did you and Mom date before you knew that you were in love”? When you see or hear an opening like this, you had bidder take it! (Jeff’s opinion: When you approach these subjects, teens may look at it as “Daddy is preaching to me again” and will more than likely tune you out.)
I have found that teenage cues are far subtler and may be given only once and if you are lucky, twice. Generally, teens will talk to parents; however, it will be on their terms and you better be intuitive enough to pick up on their cues. Your kids are going to get advise from someone…the question is…from who?
………..Theses are the ruminations of a middle age, husband, father and high school principal that wants desperately to live a life worthy of my calling. (See Ephesians 4:1)
Talent is God-given, be humble; fame is man given, be thankful; conceit is self given, be careful.-John wooden
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