The Priority of Familyনমুনা

CAREER OR FAMILY 

One day, John Grisham, a famous novelist, was asked by someone, "If two activities had the same time schedules, which one would you attend: your latest book signing or your child's baseball game?" John replied, "I will watch my son’s baseball game." He would arrange all activities related to his books for the opportunity to accompany his children - because according to him, children help him stay grounded. The attention to his wife and children is a fruit of family education. John grew up in a conservative Southern Baptist family where parents were always there for the family. It has become a lifestyle for him.

Family and career often become a tough struggle. The efforts to build a balance between the two are very difficult. It might even be impossible for a person to please two superiors continuously at the same time. During one occasion, one part is either overlooked or lost. Unfortunately, many people choose to ignore their families because of the consideration of meeting the family needs. Because of this reason, they are forced to abandon their families, even though they don't mean to do it. This is the argument that we often hear about this matter. 

It is difficult to balance the two because the real issue is not the balance, but the priority. The balance is only an excuse made by us to justify these two things. This priority is related to these questions: What is the most valuable in our lives? It is relationship or achievement? The success or the significance? The answers to these questions can be used as a guide to set our life’s priorities. Let us not sacrifice a very valuable thing for other things that are less valuable. We will be able to determine which one is more important with God’s wisdom. With the right priorities, we can reap success without sacrificing something very valuable such as family.

Today’s devotional

1. Between career and family, which one is your life’s priority?

2. How does priority setting determine our attitude in making decisions?

Today’s actions

Set the right priorities based on the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.