By Sharlinda Parker
Your immediate family should be your first priority – the thing you say “yes” to even when it means saying “no” to other important things! We all know that, as parents, we have to work in order to take care of our households. We always strive to make sure our families can live and enjoy a certain type of lifestyle. With all that’s going on in the world today, families are falling apart daily and being ripped at the seams.
Now, more than ever, I think we all should work to fix this where and how we can, mainly by aligning our family priorities with God. As a wife and mother, I know firsthand that your family wants to be your priority and, most importantly, the members of your family want to FEEL like they are your priority. When it comes to the little ones, you should take the time to visit your child’s school for school functions and also join the PTA to show your support. When it comes to your mate, support through quality conversation, prayer, cooking dinner together or just cuddling after a long days are simple ways to strengthen the bond between the two of you.
When we compromise spending quality time with or cheat on our families to fill gaps, we shuffle our priorities and send a message of rejection to the ones we love. Always remember that actions speak louder words or intentions ever do.
The number one way to cheat on your family is to put your work, job or business before your family. Normally when this happens, your mate feels unimportant and/or the kids start acting out in school as a result. We have to remember that while money can buy material things, it can’t buy love, happiness or companionship. People tend to say that money makes the world go ‘round, but we all need love in order to live.
I was always told that “to have a happy wife/husband, kids and a happy life”, we all need to live a balanced life! The same quality of work and energy you put into your job or career should extend to your household. Even when you have no choice and work has to come first, you have to be able to communicate to your family just how IMPORTANT they are to you! Prioritizing our lives around our immediate family isn’t just a good idea – it’s a God idea! God doesn’t cheat on you!
This is something I wanted to share not only because I believe in it so strongly, but because it works well in my home! Being married for 13 1/2 years and rededicating our family to God, my husband and I are so blessed to have what I call our “Family Coach”, Pastor Stephen Thurston. He is a major component of our organization Couples4:12 that empowers relationships in a real, raw, and relevant way. He helps to educate us on God’s way when it comes to marriage & family.
As you go through the rest of your week, remember to make those who are special to you feel loved and make them your focus. Making the time and taking the time make all the difference when it comes to a stronger, tighter family.