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“People will come, Ray – for it is money they have – and peace they lack!” W.P. Kinsela had never published a word before he set out to redirect his life. In his mid-forties, he decided to start listening to the “still small voice” inside him. He enrolled in a local college studying creative writing. Ultimately, he penned his first novel . . . a modern-day fantasy about reconciliation, J.D. Salinger and his love of baseball. The book, Shoeless Joe, received critical acclaim when it was first published. It caught the attention of writer/director Phil Alden Robinson, who cherished the story as a reader. But it was his screen adaptation of the work that captured the imagination of millions of moviegoers in the feature-length film, Field of Dreams. The central themes of this story are ones we’re wise to remember today: Time is short, life is precious and money can’t buy happiness. When the character Terrence Mann (played by actor James Earl Jones) launches into the climatic soliloquy about why busy suburban 30-somethings would be drawn to this “field” to reclaim a piece of their childhood, he reminds us of something no believer should ever forget. All we have is right now and how we use that time is a tithe of sorts to the Lord. Of the 24 hours – the 1,440 minutes – available to us each day, parents actually spend very little time with their children. In fact, the average father spends only 3 minutes a day with his kids! So, how about you? Do you need a little help getting your priorities straight? Is it money you have but peace you lack? Well, here are “5 Tips for Helping Busy Parents Re-Prioritize Their Lives:” 1. Ruthlessly Eliminate Stress No one can get their priorities straight if they’re constantly living “under the gun.” If there’s so much stress in your life that you’re finding it difficult to keep your priorities in order, lighten your load first – and now! 2. Make Daily Solitude a Priority Don’t feel guilty or like you’re “avoiding your family” for making time for yourself each day. It’s a must... even if it’s just 15 minutes in the morning for “quiet time” with the Lord. No one will miss you if you “take 5” for yourself every now and then... so do it. 3. Develop a “Blank Slate” Approach In other words, begin and end each day with no agenda. Come before the Lord with open arms, hands and an open mind and heart each morning. Let Him set your day in motion and then give everything back to Him at the end of each day – all your worries, cares, successes, failures. Exchange them for a good night’s sleep. (Psalm 91:1) 4. Give Your Family Your Best – Not Your “Emotional Leftovers” It’s very noble to “give your all” at work. But, what does that leave for your spouse and kids? Not much? Not good! Your family deserves the best you have to offer. They need you healthy, rested, happy, or perhaps more importantly, content. No “table scraps” from your heart for them. Give them the main course. Then, watch how your priorities change by themselves! 5. Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Do this For You This is your life – these should be your priorities. If you’re waiting for someone else to come alongside you and tell you how to live your life, you’re in for a long wait. The time to make the changes is now – so get to it! Reprioritizing your life doesn’t have to be difficult. But, if you’re like most of us, it does need to be done every now and then. And, with God’s help, you can do it! Click here to download this tip sheet (WORD / PDF). |
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