Time Travel

One of the most valuable things on the planet is “time”. You can’t produce it, buy it, or make it up. “Back to the Future” was one of the popular movies during the 80’s. It was a movie based on the idea of time travel. There are times when I wish I could go back and change something. There are times I wish I could take back something I said, made something more of a priority, spent less time at work, or more time focusing on the important things like my wife and kids.

So how do we make the most of our time. Work is a part of life. In fact, people who work will spend over fifty percent of there life at their job! The University of Florida published an article that reminded me of a good principle concerning time with our children and families. Although time is important, it must be the right kind of time. “The emphasis is on what you do with [them] instead of how much time you spend with them.”

Should we replace quantity time with quality time? Often, quality time originates from quantity time. We can’t always plan for those meaningful conversations and heartfelt moments needed by our wives and children. So, we make room for both!

Plan for quality uninterrupted time. This will take intentional thought and panning on our part. A good place to start may be to take off work an hour early or planning a family night at home.
Quantity time is created by being available! Be home when your children are home if you can. Make sure to make the most of the weekends if you have them off from work. Spend some time with them daily even if it is for twenty minutes after you get home from work. Remember, they have been waiting for you!

Since we already know time is valuable and there is nothing we can do to make more, we should make the absolute most out of what we have been given! Start today by spending fifteen minutes of uninterrupted time with your children or spouse!

Which Way?

Often times in the excitement of baby showers and birth plans, the father gets lost in the shuffle of a pregnancy. Men are expected to be fearless leaders who have it all figured out. The truth is there are times we have no clue. Maybe what we need is a pathfinder? We need someone who has carved the trail through the jungle of being a father, husband and leader. Someone who can help others find their way. Some men have the fortune of following in the footsteps of a great dad. They watched as the trail was cut clear right before their eyes. However, in today’s culture there are men being raised without a father. These men want to be good dads but have never really seen what it takes to be a man or much less, how to navigate that path that leads to becoming a great father, husband and leader.

Paying the Price

According to National Fatherhood’s Father Facts 2005, the Census Bureau, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, local taxpayers in the Wiregrass area are contributing over $115 million a year in father absence related expenses. In Dothan alone the lack of a father was linked to over 381 violent crimes, 135 teen pregnancies, and more than 100 high school dropouts during 2006. On a national level 90% of runaways, 63% of youth suicides, and 80% of all prisoners in state institutions came from a fatherless home. Our community pays when fathers do not step up and act like the heroes they were meant to be.

Often times men set out to change the world. We try to measure success in dollar amounts, items sold, deals made, or in points scored. Sometimes we fail to realize that success is best measured by the legacy we leave behind in our children not to our children. That is what makes this world a better place.