Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit
An old story has it that a little boy was feeling very lonesome for his father. His dad was away from home on business a great deal, and as much as they might have wished it otherwise, there were special family times when it was not possible to be together. One of those times was the boy's birthday -- the father was simply not able to break away from a business trip out of town. Of course, he had sent a card and a lovely present. He had even called to wish his boy the best of the day, but that was no substitute for being there.