‘NOT A STRANGER’

A Deep Thoughts Devotional Story
©Opeyemi Akintunde
As Inspired by the Living Word

Sandra’s 7-year-old daughter, Keren, had a school project: “Draw your family and write one sentence about each member.”

That evening, she proudly showed Sandra her colorful picture.
“Mummy: She makes my food. Joshua: He is my little brother. Daddy: He comes on Fridays.”

Sandra froze.
“Baby, what do you mean ‘Daddy comes on Fridays’?” she asked gently.

Keren replied without looking up, “That’s the day we see him the most. Other days he’s too tired or too busy.”

Sandra felt her heart sink. Her husband, Tunde, was a hardworking man, always hustling to provide. But in his daughter’s eyes, he was a visitor in their home.

That night, Sandra shared Keren’s words with him.
Tunde’s shoulders slumped. “I’m doing all this for the family… but maybe I’m losing the family in the process.”

He decided something had to change. The very next week, he set boundaries at work, came home earlier twice a week, and started their now-famous “Wednesday Pizza Nights.”

Within months, the laughter in the house was louder, and Keren’s next family drawing showed Daddy playing in the living room.

*****

Fathers, you are not just providers, you are priests and presence-carriers in your homes.
Children may not remember the brand of clothes you bought them, but they will remember the nights you prayed with them, the stories you told, and the games you played.

Even God the ultimate Father desires to dwell with His children (Revelation 21:3). How much more should we?

Work is important, but it should never replace connection. Your presence shapes identity, builds trust, and plants seeds of faith.

*****

SCRIPTURE:
“I will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers…” – Malachi 4:6

*****

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to be present in my children’s lives not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

2. Father, give me wisdom to balance work and family.

3. Restore every broken bond between fathers and their children in this generation.

******

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Inspired by the TRUTH REVEALER
Written by Opeyemi Akintunde
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