Coming Home To An Empty House

Dr. James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, was on CNN.  He is concerned about the state of the family today. He thinks children coming home to empty houses is a very bad thing. I agree with him.

I had friends growing up that had both parents working and came home to empty houses. I liked it. We could eat whatever we wanted and watch as much television as we wanted.  However, there was a coldness about the house.

My mom was always home full-time. There was a warmth about our home. Friends loved coming over to our house. My mom kept watch over our home. I always knew she would be there.

Children need someone at home. Left to their own devices they can get in a lot of trouble.  We are commanded to train up our children. This is addressed to parents, not day-care or babysitters. God knew the importance of parents raising and training their children.

It takes a lot of work and time to train them in the ways of the Lord. It takes diligence to protect them from the arrows of the enemy.  It takes time for them to see godly parents modeled to them, after all, our actions speak a lot louder than our words but many words must be spoken to raise wise children.

Do everything you can to make sure your children don't come home to an empty house.  They need someone to protect them from themselves. They need guidance and loving care.  They need you. Nobody can take the place of parents. Children would much rather come home to a very humble home with a parent in it than a gorgeous, empty large one.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
and when you walk by the way,
and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6,7