Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

The Offering

Music played quietly as the offering plate reached our row. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Franklin dip his hand into the offering.

Quick as a flash, I grabbed the five-year-old fist.

Looking up, an aggrieved expression on his little-boy face, he exclaimed loud enough for all about us to hear, “I was only hiding my penny under his dollar.”

Aware of the suppressed smiles around us, I could only think of how often I had been guilty of the same thing: trying to hide my penny under someone else’s dollar.

Responsibilities of Parents

I heard about a father who gave his boy an unusual Christmas present. He wrapped up a note in a package; the note read: “Son, during the next year I am going to give you one hour every day and two hours on Sunday.” The little boy ran and put his arms around his dad and said, “Oh, Dad, that’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever had.”

Your children not only require a great deal of your time, they long and hunger for it. Perhaps they do not express it, but the hunger and longing are there just the same. Be a pal to your children, love them, spend hours with them. Cut out some of your so-called “important social engagements” and make your home the center of your social life. God will honor you and your children will grow up to call you “blessed.”