I learned the children’s song Daddy’s Homecoming at a young age. Go ahead and have a listen. I loved the song while little because it was so true. I remember freaking out when my Dad would finally come home from work. How excited we were to see him. Now I am the subject of that song and I can hardly believe the homecoming I receive each day when I walk thru the door. “Daddy! It’s You!” is the call from two little boys, and “Hey, Dad let me show you something” from a bigger boy. Honestly, I’m shocked and overwhelmed as each day they excitedly greet me. In non-family life I usually just get the courtesy “How’s it going” or “How are you.” With my boys, and my wife, an awesome energy fills the room. What if we greeted and treated everyone like they were our family (Note: Of course, the reality is we ARE all family)? I’ve made it a habit to be kind and friendly with a smile, but sometimes I’m just too casual. It seems to me the difference is in how we view our associations, I admire people that seem to just connect with everyone in a real way that makes those around them feel special, valued and important—even when these people are often just being introduced. I’d like to develop that warmness and sincerity, I can be a little too cold for what seems no reason at all.
Family life really is the great refining perfecting fire we all need to experience.
