Balancing Life as a Family

Everything in life will cost us something, mainly time and money. How will we spend ours for what matters?

Cross country, worship practice, student council meetings, church training sessions, AP homework, meeting with teachers for extra help, giving music lessons or working, chores, birthdays, hobbies, conflicts in scheduling, serving, SAT testing & conferences about colleges; all of these are examples of an American family life with teens.


Recently our family sat down to discuss what we want our priorities to be, so that we live for what matters instead of the expectations of others.  Here are our priorities:

1. God

2. Spouse

3. Family

4. Work/School/Chores

5. Serving/Ministry

Everything else falls below these things.  For example:

Fun with friends

Community Service

Work

Sports

There are many times that we try so hard to do it all, but things fall apart. Our heart is to be involved and make a difference but sometimes all of these activities can affect the peace at home. That is why it is so important to have a set of priorities and the Word to start out with, so we don't loose sight of what we hope to be.

As a couple, we know that we want to live by the Spirit and it doesn’t always happen.  We are learning to be content in all circumstances & hoping to follow God’s will for our lives. In reality we both are growing in maturity & its not always pretty. That is where grace and love come in for each other.

Living in the Spirit matters

Gal 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Gal 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Phil 4: 6-7 Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Peace in the Home matters

Gal 5:15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Prov 26:20 Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

Heb 12:14a Work at living in peace with everyone.

Prov 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Honoring Parents

As adults we must find a way to honor our parents & set an example as we expect our children to follow God’s Word in this matter. Kids are gifts from God & have been placed under our authority- to protect, encourage & guide them.

Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life of the earth.”

Prov 1:8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

Col 3:20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.

Talking back and not obeying will result in consequences.

Requirements of our Teens

Live in peace, have a good attitude, listen and do what we ask, be respectful to each other and especially to your parents and authorities. Always do your best.

Col 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Family comes first on special days like birthdays and holidays.

Your authorities were set up by God. First is God, then your parents, then school and church. Please remember, despite who may pull at you, this is the order of your authorities.
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My hope in sharing all of this is to show how balancing priorities in a family takes effort. We struggle in this busy world, standing up for what Satan would love to tear down- the family. God has plans that include us trusting & learning to be content in Him. The results of prioritizing & balancing family life help bring us more joy & peace. Its important to carve time out for just family & I can't wait for my  birthday get-away weekend coming soon. :)

In the end, we hope that we live a life that has more purpose and satisfaction than regrets. We want to spend our time and money wisely for eternal things, like loving family and others.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

May we all be alert to what will pull at us & attempt to break our family bonds. Peace be with you.