As my girls get a little bit older, I am amazed at how much "daddy"time that they desire and need. It is crazy how many times a week that I hear, "Will you hold me?" Every time I leave the house, Brannon and Anna ask if they can go with me. Sometimes to calm them down or hold them off from rushing out the door with me, I must make a promise for "daddy" time later in the day or week. Another thing that Becky and I have noticed concerning this issue is how the girls act when there is a lack of "daddy" time. If I am gone for any length of time, the moment I get home, Brannon and Anna cling to me. I can hardly go to the bathroom without them following me. Also, the longer I am gone, the worse their behavior gets. It is a strange phenomenon but one that is not without merit. Its true in every facet of life and culture. "Daddy" time is vital. That is one of the main reasons our culture is going down the toilet. Too many daddys are not spending enough quality time with their children and it is killing our culture!
The real application that I want to make is how this issue with me and my girls is like us and God. We NEED "Daddy" time! When we don't get it, our behavior goes downhill fast. Also, as I have been thinking about this recently, I have been asking myself how much do I crave "daddy" time with God. It has been a good question for me because I have concluded that I do crave it. I desire God so much. My "Daddy" time with God may not look like others and it may not always look the same in my life, but the truth is I do crave time with God. I want to be with Him. I want to know Him. I want Him to teach me and lead me and hold me. I desire and definitely need God way more than my girls desire or need me. Both of these lessons and insights have been very healthy for me as a "daddy" and as a "child".
Now, go spend some time with your kids (if applicable) and go spend sometime with your heavenly Father. You need it! :)
