A father who spends quality time with his children is rewarded, also exponentially. For both father and child, each hour is worth an amount that cannot be measured in dollars.
There is a story about a lawyer, who typically worked long hours. Often, he would come home after all of his family members were fast asleep. By that time, he was usually tired and irritable.
As he returned late one night, he was surprised by his 5-year-old son who was awake and patiently waiting for him.
The son did not waste much time: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Sure son, what it is?" replied the man.
"'How much do you make an hour?"
"Well, son, frankly that is really none of your business! Why do you ask such a thing?"
"Oh, I am so sorry, I did not mean to upset you, I just want to know."
The father thought for a moment and responded, "Well, I guess this is part of your education but you'll have to keep this one to yourself … I make $150 an hour."
There was a moment of silence which was followed by the son's next question; "Dad, may I please borrow $25?"
At this point, the father ran out of patience and responded, "'Is that why you asked me about how much money I make? Shame on you! Son, it’s late and you need to go to bed now!"
The young child quietly went to his room and shut the door.
After about an hour or so, the father had calmed down and began to feel badly about how he had spoken to his child. After all, his child was almost always respectful. Maybe he just needed something that costs $25. The father returned to his son's room.
"Are you asleep, son?" he asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking," said the father. "I was too hard on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for."
With a huge smile on his face, the little boy sat up. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, without missing a beat he reached under his pillow and pulled out a handful of crumpled up bills he had been saving over the year from his weekly allowance.
The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. "Daddy, I have $150 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"
As father’s day approaches, it is a good time for us fathers to remember the important, perhaps pivotal, role that we can play in the life of our children.
Consider that the responsibility comes along with the privilege of fatherhood. Children who are afforded quality time with their father are positively impacted, exponentially!
And, one more thing: A father who spends quality time with his children is rewarded, also exponentially. For both father and child, each hour is worth an amount that cannot be measured in dollars.
To all the fathers out there: Happy Fathers Day!