My wife is always getting after me because she says I work too much. Maybe I do put in 12 hours or so a day, but how can I get her to see I'm doing it for her and the children? I want them to have the things I never had when I was growing up. — D.M.

I've often said that if I had my life to live over again, I would try to travel less and be home with my wife and our children more. My wife, Ruth, did an amazing job of raising our children when I was absent—but in hindsight I wish I had given them more time.

I hope you will think carefully about what you're doing—and why. You see, from what you say, I gather that you believe the most important thing you can give your children is things. But is this true? No! Certainly you have a responsibility to meet their needs—but that isn't the most important thing you have to give them. Money and things will never satisfy their deepest needs.

Instead, the most important thing you have to give your wife and children is your love. This is what they need most of all—and you can't do that if you're never around. They have emotional needs that are just as real as their physical needs—if not more so. If you ignore those needs, you're hurting both them and yourself.

I urge you to commit your life to Christ and ask Him to help you reset your priorities. God gave your children to you; as the Bible says, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him" (Psalm 127:3). Take your responsibilities as a father seriously, and discover the joy God has for you through it.