Take Off Your Coat Daddy

When I was in business for myself, my construction company did quite well; above average.  I attribute success to my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and my faithfulness to God’s system of tithing.  I give 10% of my earnings to God’s programs.  Some years I gave more as God blessed my business.  Time has proven that I can do more with 90% than the full 100%.  It’s God’s law—it works.

You may or may not agree with God’s requirement of tithing, but since I’ve been paying tithes on my finances, never have I found myself in need of anything.  My needs have always been met.  I cannot out give God—a lesson learned. 

(Luke 6:38), “Give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

When a person is doing what God directed them to do, they can stand confident in the knowledge that His Word will not fail when times get hard.  God does not lie.  The Bible says that if we give, then God will give to us.  It’s conditional with God.  If we do what God tells us, then God does that which He said He would do.  It’s up to the individual as to whether or not they want God’s blessings in their life.  It’s a choice.  I choose to obey God. 

(Malachi 3:10), “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this:” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

There is something we must always bear in mind.  As success wraps its arms around us, the responsible provider in one’s family can fall into the trap of materialism; such, that material gain becomes the primary entity.  Loved ones find themselves in close second.  When this happens, success can cause a marriage to turn into a menial existence with one another.  The children that were brought into the world are primarily raised by a single parent, because the breadwinner is always at work earning another dollar; too busy to come home.

I remember years ago coming home late one particular evening from a long, hard day at work.  It was a typical work day in my household—this is what I did—my mode of operation was to do as much as I could, while there was yet daylight.  Everyone had already eaten dinner; mine was in the oven. 

Standing in the family room; my jacket collar still pulled up around my neck; I was talking to my wife.   This was standard procedure for me.  If there were one or two hours of sunlight at the end of the day, I was out there framing up another wall on one of my projects.  I didn’t know when to come home.  I was a workaholic.

It wasn’t until my five year old son, youngest of three children, came running up to me that night, trying to get my attention, that destiny was changed.  He said with a loud voice, “Daddy, Daddy!  Take off your coat Daddy!  Take off your coat!”  He was being a little rude and over zealous, but persistent in his request.

I patted him on the head, smiled, and turned to my wife as he yanked at the bottom of my coat tail, and screamed at the top of his lungs, “Take off your coat Daddy!”

I took off my coat and threw it on the floor, somewhat disturbed at my son’s behavior.  Without saying another word, he went skipping down the hallway toward his bedroom.  The whole incident was strange.

I asked myself, “What’s the writing on the wall?”  I pondered what had just taken place. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!  When Daddy takes off his coat he stays home.  My son was just content that I was home to stay.  Reality was crashing in on me as I stood there with nothing to say.  My son had just delivered the most significant and important message that I had ever heard.

After assessing the situation, I was at the crossroads of decision-time.  The choice that I was about to make would change the direction of the rest of my life and those dearest to me.  What was more important, family or my business?  This was an easy question to answer; my family of course! 

Slowly, I turning to my wife and exclaimed, “There’s going to be some changes made around here!”  Within three days I had my application for employment with the Building Inspection Department in the city where we lived.  I gave up my business and became a building inspector with regular work hours. 

For me, I needed structure and time restraints, because my personality was such that I would continue down the same path of disregard for family if I were to continue in my business.  Some people can discipline themselves to come home at a proper time, but I knew I couldn’t. 

It took the persuasive and persistent prodding of a little boy to open the eyes of a business man that had temporarily misplaced his family.  I had lost sight of what was most important in life. 

Earning money is good, but it’s not everything!  Being there to answer questions; ready to listen, means everything to a child.  This has more significance and value to them than all the money in the world could ever give. 

I have no regrets with the decision I made.  Prioritizing what is most important is most rewarding.  My son is turning thirty-five this March and our relationship is strong.  I’ve always made an effort to be there for my wife and children since changing occupations, because I had more time to do so.  Giving up my business was the best decision I ever made.

If I could have disciplined myself to come home at a halfway decent hour, while in business, I would probably still be working with my hands today, because I enjoy building.  As it is, I am still around construction work and enjoying what I do as a building inspector; just not doing the physical labor; but most important…coming home on time. 

I include God in my entire decision making and strive to live for Him each day.  God’s faithfulness to me and my family has enabled us to remain successful, both financially and spiritually.  All of our needs have been met above and beyond my expectations.  God is a loving God that is good to His children when they abide in His teachings and heed His commandments.

I sometimes wonder what my relationship with my wife and three children would have been had I not made the choice when I did.  I’m glad I not only heard my son that night, but I listened and understood the message of his heart... “Daddy, take off your coat and stay home with me!”

It’s never too late to give attention to a daughter or son no matter how old they are.  They will always be your children, needing Mom and Dad in their life.  It may take some work, but love, consideration, and help from God go a long way in reconciliation, and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends.  So take off your coat and stay awhile.

Written by,

Papa Boyd