Fatherhood vs. Grandfatherhood

Yesterday was Father’s Day. Amazing to reflect on what I’ve learned over the years.

We were blessed with the opportunity to enjoy being with both of our sons and five of our grandchildren yesterday. At one point or another during the week all five grandkids, from 6 – 11, stayed overnight.

We played Monopoly, Mexican train, and cribbage with grandkids during the week. MK, Grammie, had a chance to read from My First Book About Jesus as bedtime stories to all five.

We give those grandkids something I didn’t focus on when my kids were little – TIME. Why? Too busy trying to be successful. I thought that success was measured by how many hours you work in a week.

This summer I’ll look forward to playing several rounds of golf with our grandson. We’ll make a trip to Florida for a week to spend time watching our 16-year-old grandson, who lives out of state, play in elite volleyball tournaments.

When the 11-year-old and 10-year-old grandsons stay with us we’ll enjoy them jumping in bed with us anytime after 6 a.m. and the four of us watching a kid’s movie together.

Time. Nothing like retirement to provide the time and resources to be able to do this. As I celebrated my 69th birthday last week I was able to look back and know how blessed we are to have a much better understanding of what’s important in life.

So much of it simply comes down to taking the time to be with your kids. It is what produces the best memories.

Here is your challenge this month:

1. Ask yourself this: In 20 years, what will your kids say about you? What wonderful stories will they have about the time you spent with them? The events you shared with them – sports, school plays and events or simply spending time together playing with them.

2. If you reprioritize your time, what extra time could you give them playing with games with them around the house, reading to them then having them read to you? Could you do more to help them with their schoolwork?

3. How much time do they spend simply playing on their kindle, playing their virtual reality games or any other games with their friends on video?

4. If you have kids and are divorced, focus on those kids more than your dating life or time with your new honey. Your kids need you more than your honey needs you.

In 20 years, or 30 years, or 40 years your kids will remember what you DID with them, not what you got them. You still have a chance to change their future. It MUST start today, though.