Welcome everyone to Family Talk. It's a ministry of the James Dobson Family Institute, supported by listeners just like you.

I'm Dr. James Dobson, and I'm thrilled that you've joined us.

Well, welcome to Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk. I'm Roger Marsh, and today we are sharing a timeless address from Dr. Dobson himself delivered live to an audience during a pivotal season of his life.

He was 48 years old, and Dr. Dobson was reflecting on the passage of time, the years he spent at home, watching his own children

grow up, and the two convictions that came to define his priorities. If you're a dad wondering

how to make the most of the years you have left with your kids, the insights you're about to hear

will help you slow down, pay attention, and keep first things first. Here on the first

Father's Day we'll be celebrating

without our founder and chairman. Here's a timeless message from Dr. James Dobson as a father

looks back today on Family Talk. I need to tell you where I'm coming from this evening.

Seven years ago, we were engaged in another

film series in San Antonio, Texas, and at that time, I was trying to make a decision about what to do,

about the conflict between the ministry and the message that I wanted to get out and the need to stay home with my own children.

And I've done a lot of dumb things in my life,

but I think the smartest thing I ever did

was to stay home and watch my kids grow up.

So this is kind of a celebration of that decision today,

because in those seven years, I've

not only had an opportunity to stay home with my kids and with Shirley, of course, but I've

had an opportunity to do some thinking.

And what I want to do with you is bring you up to date on some of the thinking that I've

been doing in the last seven years as I've moved through my own

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