Happy Father's Day! I had a wonderful day today. I got a great new office chair to work in at home as a gift, along with some wonderful Father's Day cards and a wonderful dinner prepared by my children. I also got to take a nap; and now I'm getting ready to watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals - right after I watch a special show (presented by my daughter!)
In church, my son Leighton was asked to speak in sacrament meeting today; his topic was "Honoring Thy Father and Thy Mother". He shared with us about how he tries to greet me with an enthusiastic "Hi, Dad!!" in order to make me happy when I come home - especially he didn't do his chores. The crowd laughed; I did, too. At the same time, it reminded me that my children do pay attention to me; I also learned that my kids (at least one of them) want to make me happy despite their weaknesses and short comings.
Question is ... do my children know that I love them? I'm sure it's hard when all we seem to focus on is what they're doing wrong. Not to say we're supposed to ignore what they do wrong, we wouldn't be good parents if we did that; but if it's all we do, there's no way they're gonna know that we love them. Some may argue that the reasoning for Leighton giving me the joyful "Hi, Dad!!" is an indication that I need to make adjustments in how I interact with my children ... and I would agree.
I want my children to know that I love them all very much. I want them to have the very best and to realize their full potential. No NBA Finals, TV show, website, or anything of my hobbies is more important than my love for my wife and my children. And I pray that my children will know that one day in their hearts, and greet me with a "Hi, Dad!!" that simply says they love me, too.