Twenty-first-century pressures require parents to exercise great care in raising children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The world’s demands will, if allowed, rob parents of precious, private moments spent with their children. Such quiet times are especially necessary in this unloving world. Dear Dad and Mom, your beloved lambs need more than discipline—they need your time! While it’s true that free time is a rare commodity, can you think of anything better to spend it on than those irreplaceable treasures that God has entrusted to your care?
The father speaking in Proverbs 23:2626My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. (Proverbs 23:26) says, “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Notice it does not say my children—no, it is individual—a one-on-one relationship. The father is seeking to win his son’s heart, not just his mind.
Parents, if you don’t win your child’s heart in love, you’ll have great difficulty gaining that ear in training. And one of the most effective ways to win a child’s heart is to spend private time with them as often as possible—preferably, each day.
Dad, you may not be terribly interested in playing with your daughter’s dolls, but ten minutes of such private play time will produce a lasting bond of love.
Mom, you might not think that sitting on the floor driving toy cars with your little boy is the most profitable way to spend your valuable time—but gaining his love and trust is worth the expense. Oh! spend time with them now while there’s opportunity!
Ed.