As I get older, the end of a year is a time that I reflect on the past, accept the present and anxiously look toward the future.  
My biggest regret in life is that I didn’t spend enough quality time with my children while they were growing up. I was so caught up in what the world had to offer, I neglected my family. Spending my leisure time drinking in barrooms was my priority. Being successful in the business world was my goal. How sad!
It’s a fact that most people always hurt the ones they love. I’ll never forget hearing one day that no success in the world will make up for failure at home. I was a failure at home and in the business world.
Many evenings my heart is saddened as I pass the many barrooms in the area and see the parking lots full. Inside I can imagine many fathers selfishly indulging in their own pleasures, as I did, while their children are waiting at home to
be loved and their wives wondering what condition they will be in
when they finally decide to come home.
I thank God that Jeanne was the glue that held our family together.
Most of the problems we face today are the result of the breakdown of the family unit. Alcohol is one of the biggest contributors to the ruin of the family.
Several years ago, I read about Charles Francis Adams, a 19th century political figure and diplomat who kept a diary. One day he entered: “Went fishing with my son today — a day wasted.” His son, Brook, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook made this entry: “Went fishing with my father — the most wonderful day of my life.”
My message to all fathers is that your wives need you at home and your children are desperately starved for your love and companionship.
Are you working on being a success at home?
Keep in mind that the past is over, the present is now, and no one knows what the future holds, but I’m comfortable with the fact that only God holds the future.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.