By Bob Garver
Being a dad involves a definite fact. Your kid craves and needs your attention.
But finally, Dad started getting droopy-drawered about his kids not being around. To the extent that his right-hand man decided to locate the king’s missing son and bring him home. He was finally able to locate the young man and convinced him that it was safe to return. But the next two years went by, and King Dad never acknowledged his son’s existence. Even though his son repeatedly requested to speak with him.
Finally, the frustrated and angry son took matters in his own hands. He burned the barley fields of his dad’s friend. Talk about an attention-getter.
The owner of the field came running and angrily asked him the reason for the arson. The sullen reply was, “I need to talk to my dad, and this seemed a likely way to accomplish that.” It definitely accomplished it. He and dad talked but nothing was really resolved, leaving things much like before. Finally, the son gave up and declared war on King Dad, trying to tear the kingdom from his hands. This tragic family conflict ended when the bitter son lost his life while fleeing from his dad’s army.
All this because King Dad did a lousy job of being an involved, caring, and emotionally available father to his children.
Dad, there is nothing in life that can substitute for time with you. The foundation of your child doesn’t have the strong underpinnings it needs without you. The result of your neglect will likely be a hurting adult.
Want to read this true story for yourself? Read II Samuel, chapters 13 thru 15 of the Bible.
Protect your kids… and your barley fields.