Family should be primary. Family is the testing ground of the soul, and of the heart. Family will reveal what is really going on deep inside of a person.
Like, when I’m slow to listen to some strange, and then get home only to shut my wife or kids down in a middle of a sentence. You can tell your wife and kids to shut up without ever saying the words if they feel rushed to speak when they are around you. (I call it a wordless shut up)
It would be easy for me to excuse away my shortness with meaningless rational, but I would still be left with the fact that something on the inside is not right. If I will listen…if you will listen…family time is a great place to get your compass realigned.
I spend much time making or trying to make people I come into contact with feel great about their lives, that they matter, that they are heard, but there are many times I fail at home when it comes to my own family. It would do each of us well to not forget that family is our first priority.
So what’s the answer?
- I will listen slower and longer to what my wife, son and daughter have to say when I get home.
- I will give them the same respect and time, if not more, than I give a passing stranger seeking my advice.
- I will… because it is simply right.
- I will… because it’s my call and my joy and my responsibility.
What about you?
Thank you Steve! Your posts are are always an encouragement for my walk with Jesus!
You are welcome.