In the book of Ephesians, chapter 5 and verse 16, it which tells us to "make the most of every opportunity." When we think of this verse we usually apply it to sharing of our faith, which is a valid application. However I think it goes far beyond this application.

I was in the office at my house when I happened to look up and notice a picture on the wall which is within a frame in the form of a fish.

In this picture is my son, at the age of around 9-years-old, and myself holding a big catfish we had caught.

As I think back, we have had many fun times of fishing together; from the time we ran out of gas in the middle of the Medway River to the time he caught his first shark. There are also other things we did together and vacations we spent together over the years.

As I look back there are some regrets that I have concerning all my kids; in the fact that I didn’t make the most of every opportunity that was available to spend time with them. Some times it didn’t happen because of selfishness on my part and sometimes I put extra things with my job ahead of them. I rationalized it because after all it was for the Lord.

We only get one shot at being a good parent and we can’t go back and do it all over again, this time doing it right. If you have kids in the home determine today to start making them more of a priority with your time and don’t buy into the false view that says "quality time is more important than quantity time."

If your kids are grown and you feel regret over not spending time with them, spend as much time as possible with them now but also don’t be too proud to confess to them your regrets.

Last but not least, pray to our heavenly Father to ask Him for forgiveness for past failures in this area but also to help you now to make the most of every opportunity.