I need to start this by making it clear that when God was handing out gifts and talents, the ability of connecting head of hammer to head of nail was missed on me … I am just not that handy around the home.

A fact not missed on my four year olds when I decided to build … ok, attempt to build them a tree house.

Maybe tree house is a bit strong of a word, I mean it’s really just 3 planks of wood nailed to a tree, with 2 bits of a broken surfboard, as a makeshift wall.

But anyway, I’m banging and whacking away, they’re getting more and more excited as their little imaginations see their dad building a grand treetop palace.

For some reason, beyond my construction knowledge, too many nails does not necessarily make something more safe, or more secure … so anyway, as all my efforts were turning to splinters, one of my boys says, you’re not that good at building are you? Not like Popa Al, I mean.”

I was guttered, “No son, not really”

“Don’t worry dad,” he smiled, “You’re the best at fixing stuff … here’s your gafa tape.”

Right then and there, it dawned on me how much our kids watch us, and how they need and value us.

My boy was saying to me in the language of a 4 year old, “Dad, you make me feel safe, and I know that no matter what happens in my little life, you’ll be there to fix it.”

That Sunday afternoon, as I stood there looking at the damage I had done to that poor tree, blood dripping from my hammer-hit thumbs, I was the proudest dad in the world.

- Tim Sisarich
Tim Sisarich, Executive Director Focus on the Family NZ as heard on Scrubcutters , Newstalk ZB

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