Daddy, play with me

A story that I've been thinking about lately as I read the New Testament is from Matthew 19 and Mark 10. Jesus was having a very serious discussion with his disciples and some Pharisees, talking about marriage, divorce and adultery. Suddenly some kids were brought into the room, and Jesus' disciples scolded those that let them in for allowing them to be bothered. "But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.' ...And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:14,16).

This story touches me as a parent. We are so busy and have so many demands. Yet ironically, the most important things are often the least important things, like reading The Bears' Vacation for the 2,000th time and sitting on the floor playing toys.

I work nights. I get home after 7am and try to get to bed by 7:45am before my 3 year old son wakes up. But when that doesn't happen I'm usually trying to finish some important business so I can hit the sack when my little kiddo says, "Daddy, play with me!" There's nothing that melts my heart more than those four words. It really doesn't matter how tired I am or what important things I'm doing, what news I'm checking or bills I'm paying. I only have one legitimate option: stop, and play with his farm animals or help him with a puzzle or read him a book.

  

The thing I treasured more than anything else growing up was going to the backyard and throwing a baseball with my dad. I am so thankful and happy that he put down his "important" work to spend 15-20 minutes chasing down my errant throws and listening to me ramble on about the Yankees. The Church has a commercial that says: "Give your family everything: give them your time." As I consider that, it's more than just a jingle. What is more valuable than your time? And what matters other than your time? It is truly the greatest gift and the only true significant thing you can give your loved ones. 

Jesus taught by example that our time is even more important than business and discussion, especially involving children. There is nothing more important to me in this world than my kids. I hope that I can not just find time, but make time for them throughout their early years. And that same principle applies with anybody we care about or who cares about us; people just want a little of our time.