Is there an age when your kids stop giving hugs and kisses, and sadly stop telling you they love you everyday? One of my kids seems to be at that age. When she now calls I just pick up and say “What can I do for you?” Because I know she’s not calling just to say hi or I love you, but only needs something.

It kinda bothered me this week because I was out of town working. And when I work I sometimes get super lonely out of state. I got snooty with her and said, “You know, you should call to say hi and that you love me more!” she started to chuckle and said “byyyeee” and hung up on me. I looked down at my phone and went on to work.

The next day I had two no-show appointments in a row and I was getting frustrated. The last appointment of the day, the lady forgot I was coming over and told me to come back. I came back. Again, and she said to come back, again. That happened 3 times. (She was super nice, just bad timing) I took a deep breath, smiled, and said I’ll be back in 30 minutes. I wanted to just drive 8 hours home. But I stayed and came back 30 minutes later.

Before the appointment I offered a prayer. And the first thing I said in my prayer, “God, please help me get this deal” and continued my prayer with somewhat scattered thoughts. Nothing really connecting.

All of the sudden a voice came into my mind. It wasn’t a thunderous voice, but almost like my own voice out of nowhere saying, “You know you should call and say hi and I love you more!” I froze in place. The conversation of my daughter quickly came into my mind.

At that moment I realized I do the very thing to God, as what my daughter does to me. I will sometimes only petition when I need Him, and get in ruts where I just don’t talk to Him like a Father. I only ask for things.

This taught me a lot. Having kids actually teaches me more about God than anything I’ve ever experienced in life. It’s like I somewhat see how He sees His children, through looking at my children.

I need to be more patient with my kids. And I also need to talk to God a whole lot more. Oh, and I did get the deal! He is there! The next morning I text my daughter and told her I loved her. No, I didn’t get a response. But I know she knows I love her.