Time

I just saw a report on the news on how people are not getting enough time each day to get everything done. It says on average, we all need to cram 31 hours into 24. That's right, 31 hours into 24. Impossible, right?

Yes, it is impossible, but like me, I am sure there are millions of people wishing that there were an extra 7 or 9 hours in each day. We want enough time to work, shop, cook, clean, read, pray, attend bible studies, sporting events, political events, watch TV, go to movies, go on dates, spend time with our spouses, family, volunteer, relax, etc. Now throw in children. Toddlers and babies have to be fed, they most often go with us everywhere and so we take along diaper bags, deal with grumpiness, teething etc. As they get older and involved with church, school, sporting and musical activities, we are on the go constantly. No complaint here, I love my family and kids, I just wish we had the extra time or more time.

So how do we do it? You can say time management, but still there are only so many hours in a day. I most generally get to work around 6 AM, and usually leave around 5 PM. I don't have much of a commute, just 2 miles, but that's 11 hours a day away from home. Once home, it's time to help prepare supper, help feed the kids, fold the laundry, baths for the kids, get ready to get them to bed. We dedicate time each night to bible study and prayer, precious time that is important, not only for us, but for our children to witness so they can begin their relationship with Jesus. By 8, we usually have everyone settled down and ready for bed or already in bed. That leaves some time for my wife and I, unless there one of us has to work from home on something, or there's been other things going on. All in all, by the time we have time to enjoy it, we are so tired that the only thing that sounds good is bed.

Not so long ago, things were different. I believe through the 1970's, the average parent was still working a 40 hour work week, not 50 plus. Things were slower, no internet, e-mail, computers, video games, bank ATM cards, satellite televion, or anything too techno. Just listen to Bucky Covington's song "Different World".

Previous generations even had more time. Look at the 50's and prior. God, Family and family activities were priority. Work was just a means to supply the needs. God provided through the jobs people had. The jobs did not define the person, but now that is become normal. People want their careers, and put everything into it. Sacrificing marriages, the chance to marry and even children. But, what happens when we become old? By yourself, no spouse, children or grandchildren. Sounds depressing doesn't it?

I love having a job I like, balancing that with family, church, etc. Ihave my family I love and I love coming home to hear my kids scream and yell Dad's home. I don't want to grow old alone, I want to share my life with someone I love, my wife. I want to see my children grow up, grow in their relationship with Jesus and have families of their own. I appreciate my wife, she works part time from home, but is still a Mom. The most difficult yet rewarding job a woman can have. You get to help shape and develop children for the world, hopefully in a manner pleasing to God.

That leads me to my conclusion, no matter how much I work, no matter if I dedicate my entire life to raising my children, my greatest job will not be the one that "pays the bills", nope not it. The greatest task and job given to me by God is be a Dad and husband, and be the best I can be. I want to be what was written in Ephesians 5, and read the whole chapter, not just a verse. I want to love my wife and children as much as Jesus loves me. If I can do that, I have had some success.

I just ask that Jesus give me the necessary time with my family each day to accomplish this.

I hope you take the time each day to do the same.