When Work Steals Family Time
We All Wear a Lot of Hats
Regardless of our careers, we all have responsibilities to manage. Planning, projects, meetings, emails: I get it, the work doesn’t stop! While we can’t ignore these commitments, we also can’t let our jobs consume our lives. Especially to the point where family gets pushed aside. We need to nurture family time.
It doesn’t matter how much income we bring in. Fully providing for our family means more than just putting food on the table.
Nurture Family Time with Scripture
In my view, the most important scripture to memorize related to nurturing family is found in Paul’s letter to the Ephesian Church:
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Most of the time, we hear this verse in the context of being too harsh with our kids. But exasperation can come in many forms. What if the issue isn’t how we discipline, but how often we’re absent? Family meals, events, and important life moments matter.
For a child who has a parent who is constantly missing…can be very exasperating for them!
Nurture Family Time with Presence
If we want to nurture family time, we have to be present. That means not just being in the room, but being truly available. It means paying attention, engaging in conversation, and participating in what our spouse and kids are doing.
Presence is more than proximity. It’s connection.
Nature Family Time with Intention
Thinking back over the past week, here are some questions I need to ask myself. And maybe they’ll challenge you too:
- How have I been engaged with my family?
- How have I intentionally spent time with my spouse?
- How have I been present for each of my children?
Maybe it’s time to pull out our phones and calendars and block off some space. Not just once a month, but weekly (even daily) appointments to nurture family time.
Make it a habit. Make it a priority. Your work matters, but so does your presence at home.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Each week, how much time do you spend with your family?
- Are you feeling like your career is stealing that time away?
- How will you find balance, in order to nurture family time?
