My 19 year old daughter, Sahar, was recently asked to sing a hymn in front of several hundred people.

She was given about 24 hours to prepare. Luckily, we had time together as a family which enabled her to practice the respective hymn many times before the event.

About 20 minutes before she was going to sing, she was told that she was supposed to sing a different hymn than the one she was given. There was panic all around! I had gone to park the car after dropping my wife Farzana and my daughter at the location.

As I arrived at the location my daughter was waiting for me: "Dad, I need your help!" she cried.

We sat for 10 minutes in a quiet room and practiced the new hymn uninterrupted. When her time came to sing, she did just fine!

What are the lessons to learn from this anecdote:

• Don't panic, no matter what!
• Do your best under the circumstances.
• Mistakes happen.
• It is how you respond to the mistakes that counts.
• I was impressed at my daughter's attitude of getting the job done.
• My daughter and I bonded in those 10 like we haven't in a long time!

If we give time and attention to our children when they need us, the joy you may experience and the bond you create can be very rewarding.

The exact timing of this magical moment transpires is always unknown, but be ready and willing, and you may find that the oddest moment is just the opportunity you await.

Happy giving and bonding!