Saying Good Night
Posted on May 11, 2007
Filed Under Personal |
I’m in Washington DC tonight at a conference. It worked out for Jean and my two boys, Trent and Troy, to travel with me on this trip. Dr. Dobson said when I took the role as president of Focus on the Family, “Your number one priority is those boys. Don’t let Focus take too much of your time.” Great words of wisdom from America’s foremost authority on family.
Well, after a great speech by John Stossel, of ABC’s 20/20 program, I ducked out to give my boys a kiss good night before catching dessert with the group. The boys were just returning with their bag of to-go food from a local hot spot for six and four year olds. Mom was directing them into the lobby of the hotel, when I caught their eyes. They both ran quickly toward me yelling, “Daddy, daddy, we love you!” Although Stossel is an impressive speaker, it could not rival the excitement of seeing my two whippersnappers running me down in the lobby of the hotel. They clung to my legs to let me know they missed me.
You know what’s tragic? 23 million kids will go to bed tonight without a father in the home to say good night. That is 34% of America’s children! We lead the world in this terrible statistic. Here’s another whopper, 73% of men in prison did not have a dad in the home. What is important to us? Are your kids important to you? Do you get excited to see them at the end of the day?
A man about 33 years old sat next to me at dinner tonight. We started talking about the demands of work, and I asked him how much time he was able to spend with his two young kids, ages 3 and 1? He said, “Not enough.” I could see his eyes moisten. He said, “How do you find the time?” I replied, “You just have to make it a priority.” He went on to say his little girl asked him to stay and play with her the other morning, but he said he had to leave for work. She was heart broken. I suggested to him that he might want to give her 10 minutes before he left the house. This way, he could say “yes” to her loving request, and besides, what’s 10 minutes in the big scheme of things? He seemed to like the idea…so good night from Washington D.C.
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Jim Daly is the President of Focus on the Family. He has been married to his wife, Jean, since 1986. They have two sons. The Daly family resides in Colorado Springs. Finding Home represents Jim's musings on work, family and faith.
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I appreciate your work intensely!
Thank you for your ministry…
Since early 2005 I have been reading to an elderly woman, Rose, now age 82, who is visually impaired. She is a strong Christian and listens faithfully to Focus on the Family and financially supports Focus. She prays for me and my family. We read from Christian subscriptions she receives, books of her choice or mine. Recently she ordered your book Finding Home which we have just begun, and I can hardly wait to continue the story. I’m not sure who gets the most enjoyment from our weekly meetings.
I thank you for writing Finding Home. I heard your story on Focus. I thank God for what he has done in your life. I have listened to Focus on the Family since my children were very small, now ages 20 and 22. Both are very strong believers, thanks and praise to our Lord.
God’s blessings on you and your family and James Dobson and all at Focus on the Family, U.S and Canada. Thank you for your ministry.
Aileen - Red Deer, Alberta, Canada