You know the drill: Job, family and community obligations often make you feel as if you are an overripe orange in an olive press; but you have answered a call to the place and time you believe God ordained for you.
So how do you make it all gel? Focus. Focus and faith are inextricably linked. Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Thanks to technology, you can be there for your family even when you are cities or countries away; but remember, the media is not the message. Your words and actions say it’s “all family.”
Show affection. Your affection investments will pay greater dividends than any high-yield mutual fund. The words “I love you” have a pleasant ring to them. Make sure family members hear them constantly.
Pay attention. What interests your family members? How can you show an interest in their interests? Share them when you are able. When you cannot, be an inquiring reporter and ask the Who, What, When, Where and Why questions about their activities—and then respond affirmatively to the answers.
Give recognition. Writer and TV personality Bennett Cerf once wrote, “A pat on the back, though only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, is miles ahead in results.” Well said!
Build your family unit with the same care you would build an organization. Your main task is to teach by word and deed how to love God and how to live for Him.
Other than your faith, there is nothing that deserves your focus any more than your family. You and I will need every ounce of wisdom, courage and strength God already has promised.