The Importance Of Attention

I love watching families on the train.  

A father, son around age 6, daughter approx.. age 8 were on the train this morning.  I watched as the kids, with great anticipation, were starring out the window talking about how fun Chicago was going to be today.  I also watched as the dad starred at the IPhone in his hand for about 40 solid minutes.  I kept thinking as I watched the little boy continue to point out things outside the window to his dad only to see his dad nod while never looking up.  Now at the risk of sounding a bit too “Cats in the Cradle” or critical, I am sure I have done the same thing many times.  I so wanted to see the dad put the phone away, just look up, look into the excited eyes of his kids and listen. 

Low and behold after about 45 minutes HE DID!!!  He put the phone away, leaned over and looked out the window and started to talk about what they were going to do when they got to the city!!!! The little boy lit up like a light bulb.  Dads are such a gift to their kids, and time alone with an engaged father is so precious, especially to a son.  However, my girls have benefitted beyond words from the times they have been alone or traveled with their dad. 

I like my phone, but may it never get in the way of relational opportunity that can change a day or a life.