Family Balance

Her Children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

- Proverbs 31:28 – 30 (NIV)

Have you ever felt as if you were on a wild spinning ride that just would not stop?  Have you ever had days where you went from work to home to a school meeting and then back home only to put the kids to bed, grab a shower and prepare to start the same cycle all over again? Come on, I know you have. We have all taken that ride countless times.

When it comes to our families, especially our kids, we want to be everywhere and do everything. This is great, if we were superhuman. Instead we have to take a deep breath and realize that we need to set limits.

The most important factor about our homes should be warmth. My daily prayer is to be the heart of my home. By accepting this, my focus is on making sure my home is full of love and is welcoming to others. 

The one thing that brings me the most joy is that at the end of the day, my husband looks forward to coming home, and my children know that if they are at home, they are safe and secure. 

Balancing work and family is a constant juggling act and the ones who often get left out are the kids. With our busy schedules, we need to make sure we communicate to them daily in little ways that they are special to us. It may come in the form of a flower picked from the yard, a special treat, etc. It’s really not hard to make children feel loved. 

They are so receptive to any small piece of attention and because of this we tend to feel guilty when we are not able to participate in every detail of their school activities, extra-curricula activities and transporting them around. Instead of feeling guilty, we should choose our battles. 

It is a reality, we can not be everywhere at all times. We need to decide which activities are most important. 

Check out the school’s annual calendar. It lists all the activities for the upcoming school year. Take time with your child to discuss what he/she is most interested in and schedule these events into your daily plan. 

The same is true for extra-curricula activities. Teach your children that they can not be involved in everything. If not you are only raising little miniature workaholics.  Have them choose one or two activities if your schedule permits. Again you will have the practice schedules well in advance enabling you to plan accordingly.

Husbands! They are one of the most wonderful gifts from God. Ladies, we should remember to never take them for granted. Although, life may get rushed and it may seem as if the only things you have time to talk about are bills, home repairs and the kids’ needs, make sure you don’t lose that special time. 

Set aside a time weekly to have a date with your husband, even if you are unable to leave the house there are ways to have a very memorable evening. Have a friend or family member keep the kids for the evening. If that’s not possible, set aside times after the kids have gone to bed. 

You have to eat. Why not have a romantic picnic in the backyard? Simply place your dinner on nice China, grab a blanket, some soft music, candles and head for the backyard, patio, or front lawn, whatever provides the most seclusion. 

An in-home movie date is also a lot of fun. Just rent your husband’s favorite movie, pop some popcorn and snuggle up together under a warm blanket. Talk about romantic!

There are lots of ways to let the man in your life know you care. Try writing little love notes and tucking them into your husbands jacket pocket or slip one on his car seat when he’s not looking. Just make sure to keep the lines of communication open.

Even through the rushing and scheduling, we should not lose sight of the necessity of maintaining open and honest communication. Remember he loves you and never be afraid to express your deepest thoughts, wishes, desires, hurts, joys, etc. 

Yes, families are important and maintaining a healthy balance is critical. It may take a little work at first, but the rewards can never be matched. You will not only get to know your children and spouse better, but you will gain a deeper appreciation for your place in life.

To read more about these tips and other ways to gain more balance in your life grab a copy of my 30-day women’s devotional journal, A Transcending Peace, available at www.coffeewithcrystal.weebly.com.