I don’t have to travel away from my family often, which I am thankful for.  But when I do have to be away it is good to come home to a family that has missed me.  My wife always let’s me know how much she appreciates me and misses me while I am gone.  Our young children also let me know I have been missed when I see their eyes get big with excitement when they see I have returned.

Years in ministry have taught me that this isn’t the case for everyone.  Some family members and friends are happy to see you go.  Hurtful words, errant priorities, and failure to be responsible can make someone a frustration to be around.  I am reminded of an odd graveside service that I conducted for an older woman.  The small number of people at the service recounted tales of the mean things the deceased had said to them.  The feeling of those gathered wasn’t sadness or malice, instead it was pity.

When I walk our oldest daughter to school in the mornings, I always say 3 things to her:

1. Is it going to be a good day today?
2. Are you going to be a good girl today and help others?
3. Daddy loves you very much.

I ask the first two questions with the purpose of reminding our sweet young girl about the importance of attitude.  When we set our minds to having a good day, there is little that anyone or anything can do to spoil that.  Annoying or bad things might happen but we take them in stride when we are committed to a positive attitude.

The second question is geared towards the attitude that God would want us to have.  When we strive to help others and be kind, we reflect the love of God.  How can you have a bad day when you are bringing joy to others.  Some of the unhappiest people I know are self absorbed.

A quick aside – On our plane flight to Orlando last week, three people sitting near my co-worker and I were quite vocal about their dislike of the screeching children on the plane.  What do you expect on a flight that is headed to one of the biggest resort destinations in the world?  I guess they forgot that they were once children, or how their kids behaved when tired (it was a 6am flight.)  Those folks condemned themselves to having a horrible flight over a minor issue that the rest of us chose to ignore.  They forgot the abundant life we have in being able to sit in a padded seat in an air conditioned machine that will whiz us to distant places in just a few hours.  Amazing!

The final reminder I ALWAYS give our daughter is a reminder of my love.  Little girls need the love and attention of their fathers.  The conference I attended last week vividly reminded me of the need that girls have for the attention and affection that they can only get from their father.  I make sure my child is reminded daily of my love for her.

I want to be missed when I’m gone.  People miss you because you add value to their life.  We should strive to give to others, from the simple tasks that are done as part of the work of the family to the affection that can only come from you.  It is good to be missed and it is a pleasant reminder that we are on the right track with the things we are doing and saying.

Don’t miss out on our ongoing study of Ephesians in Dinnertime Devotionals 33