By HAROLD KELLER

My spirit is grieved for the many children who are lonely, feel deserted and looking for positive role models. Many grow up in single-parent yomes, living mostly with their mother. Children crying out to be loved, to be disciplined in a godly manner, and starving for attention.

But what’s even worse is the father who is at home, but neglects his children and, in some cases, abuses them, not only physically, but also emotionally, which is just as damaging.

As I look back, I was blessed with great parents. My mom and dad knew what love was and they knew how to spell love: T-I-M-E. The time they spent with us was quality time. Yes, the quality time we spend with our children shows how much we love them.

As a father, I spent as much time with my children as my dad did. The big difference is that, many times, mine was more out of duty. I was too busy chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

As a grandfather, I’ve tried to make up for my mistakes as a father by spending more time with my grandchildren. I’ve also learned what quality time is. It’s not about taking the kids with us as we are running errands. It’s not about attending their athletic activities and putting pressure on them to excel, and then afterwards, focusing on what they did wrong. No, children define “meaningful time” much different than parents do.

A study sponsored by Boys and Girls Clubs of America found that mere physical presence isn’t enough. Children want an adult’s total focus and encouragement.

Some people say that every day is Kids’ Day, but the majority of kids in America never get what they need from adults. With this in mind, I encourage every adult, single or married, to celebrate this Sunday’s National Kids’ Day. First Lady Laura Bush is the chairperson for this year’s second annual celebration. Let’s reach out, not only to our children and grandchildren, but maybe to a lonely child in your neighborhood who just might be starving for some adult’s undivided attention and love. It could possibly change the life of a child.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477, or write him at P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, La. 70084.