"A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD" STORY

"A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD" STORY

I just finished reading a book that will go on my list of the most influential books I have ever read. The book was written by Rick Johnson, president of BETTER DADS. The book -- BETTER DADS, STRONGER SONS . . . How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character is a must read for fathers of any age. I am going to try and arrange for an interview with Rick on our KESWICK TODAY radio ministry.

Here's the story that "whacked me on the side of the head" . . .

A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his five-year-old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man.
"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?"
"That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make and hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make twenty dollars an hour."
"Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow ten dollars, please?"
The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is so you can borrow some to by a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you can march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours every day and don't have time for such childish games."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to make some money!

After an hour or son, the man had calmed down and started to think he might have been a little too hard on his son. Maybe he really needed to buy something with that ten dollars, and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door." "Are you asleep, son?" he asked.

"No, Daddy, I awake," the boy replied.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day, and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's the ten dollars you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, beaming, "Oh, thank you, Daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled-up bills. The man, seeing the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man.
"Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled. "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have twenty dollars now. Can I buy an hour of YOUR time?"

I don't think that I need to even make a comment. Rick makes this statement: "Your kids aren't impressed with all your accomplishments. The only thing that really impresses them is your time and attention."

A powerful reminder for Dads of ALL ages.

Why not bring your son or Dad to our Father Son Night this Thursday, June 1, 2006. A great evening has been planned for you. Former New York Giant, Keith Elias, is our speaker. Call today for reservations! Call 800-453-7942 today and make your reservation!!!