Don’t Miss Out

entreaty - Don’t Miss Out

Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold all the weak, be patient with all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

“Daddy, will you play with me?” The question was fine. It was Bill’s response lately that concerned Janet.

“No, honey, I’m too busy. Maybe later.”

But of course “later” never came. And day after precious day was lost without Bill’s spending time with his kids. Janet wondered if her husband couldn’t see the pattern he was getting into, and she felt compelled to bring it to his attention. “Honey,” she said, “I’m really concerned about the kids’ missing time with you. They seem to be taking a backseat to other things. What do you think?”

Next came the moment of decision. Would Bill respond with attentive concern or react in defensiveness? In this case, the foundation of trusting love made all the difference. Bill had come to trust that Janet’s exhortations were not attacks or criticisms but statements of genuine concern for Bill. Janet didn’t want Bill to miss out on what she knew were his true priorities, and thinking highly of her husband, she risked being vulnerable with her concern.

“I think you’re right,” Bill replied. “I feel as if I’m just filling my time with more things I need to get done. I want to get back on the right track with my family. Any suggestions?”

“Why don’t you plan on spending thirty minutes to an hour each night playing with the kids?” Janet replied. “You could do different things each night—reading, playing outside, or crafts. Maybe you could set aside one night a month as special for each child.”

Janet didn’t want her husband to look back at his life with regret, but she realized Bill could do more with their children. So she lovingly pointed out that those relationships bring joy and satisfaction.

How do you think you should approach your spouse when you see something amiss at home?