Image this scenario. While reviewing a proposal at work you receive an email. “Free lunch in the kitchen” it reads as your mind moves from one project to the other. With great anticipation you manage to beat the traffic of co-workers to the kitchen only to find a jumbled assortment of picked over food. Angry and disappointed you make your way back to your cubical and unfortunately you’re not alone.
All of us at one time or another has been confronted with the reality of leftovers. Unfortunately this mini-meal is not relegated to the dinner table. Story after story has been authored by the families of those who feel that the best portion of time with their loved one has already been eaten by their careers, hobbies and even ministry. Instead of your family receiving your best they often collect what’s left of you after everyone else has had their first helping.
If this inequality is left unchecked, feelings of resentment, anger and disappointment can ease their way into your household leaving your children embittered and your spouse on the way out. It is essential that you deal with this disparity before it deals with you. Here are some nuggets you will need to bring balance back into your household:
Put First Things First
When it comes to your presence, your family deserves the first portion. If you find more fulfillments at work then you do at home that is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Your family is your first ministry. If you feel that you’re not getting any return out of your family relationships, check your level of investment. Along with God, your family should be a constant in your life. In order for your household to be the best it can be it requires the best of you.
Keep Out The Intruders
In order for your home to have the best of you it requires a temporary disconnect from the outside world. Leave work at work. Leave church at church. You don’t always have to answer the phone or check the e-mail. You must strategically set aside time where your family knows they have your undivided attention. Believe it or not, the outside world can survive without you.
Know Your Limitations
Realistically speaking; all of us are a limited resource. There is only so much of you to go around. You must learn how to distribute your time only to those that need it the most and delegate the rest of your duties to others. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The more you run for others, the less strength you have for your family. Choose your “you” usage carefully.
Not only does your family require the best of you, they deserve the best of you. Your investment in them will yield great dividends in their lives and in yours. So periodically ask yourself this question. Am I giving my family my best or what’s left?