Too Busy?

One of the greatest detractors from authentic connecting in our family relationships is busyness. A packed schedule has become a common, acceptable, and even promoted way of life, but being constantly on the run keeps us from giving ourselves fully in relationships. When we choose disconnectedness as a life style, we teach it to our children as a viable option to use not only with people, but also with Christ.

In high school I stumbled across Ken Durham’s book titled, “Speaking From The Heart,” subtitled, “Richer Relationships Through Communication.” The book really impressed upon me the quality of Christ’s relating as he gave Himself fully to those He was communicating with. As busy as He was with the crowds following Him, Christ focused on the person he was with. At all times he gave them His presence, His time, His focus…Himself fully. Christ gave Himself fully because human beings were important to Him. He loved each one of them. When we give ourselves completely through communication to our loved ones, we are placing a high value on them. When we are too busy we are undervaluing them. Teaching kids to prioritize relationships, with people and Christ, is best taught as we take the time to connect well in our families.

Moses gave the best picture of how to teach our children anything truly important as he instructed parents on how to pass the Mosaic Law down to the next generation in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.  Take a look at this verse;

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

The common theme in all these daily events is time spent. Time spent with your kids while you are available, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Some people say that they focus on “quality” time with their kids. Moses teaches that quantity is fundamental to quality. At times, accomplishing this will require you to say “no” to some good and worthwhile activities.

Both in the corporate world and church, top teachers of leadership like Franklin Covey, Jim Collins, John Maxwell and Dave Ramsey consistently teach the following truth: success is dependent upon learning to say “no” to the good things so that you can say “yes” to the best things. The best way for our children to truly know what a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ is like, is for them to experience it with us as their parents. As the new school year begins and schedules readjust consider making sure that there are evenings and weekends at home with nothing happening….so that the best stuff can!