Lots of Work, Little Free Time

Talking to a co-worker who has, I think, seven children, I became aware of how tiring it can be to parent a larger family. We have six kids, and I am acutely aware of time's passing - and the pull of so many urgent things on my time. I am familiar first hand with the difficulty in balancing time between work and my family relationships. How to find the moments to meaningfully connect with first my wife and then each of my children? It is a struggle which requires continual evaluation, reflection, prayer, thought and action.

It isn't so hard to engage the kids collectively. That can be done over dinner, or at bedtime prayers, or in between. Having the wherewithal to talk to my spouse after all those exchanges, though, is another thing. And then to additionally carve out five, ten or more minutes for and with each of the kids…that is a hard task. God, help me do this well!

Anyway, just had a quick conversation with Mike, who has a very daunting task. He has a larger family, and the financial strain he deals with is significant. My situation seems relatively easy compared to his. Mike is working full time at the office. To supplement the family's income, he delivers newspapers every day. That requires him to rise very early each morning. And now with tax season here, he will is spending increasing hours preparing taxes for others. Three jobs! As he described his schedule, I realized that however I am feeling pulled in many directions, Mike is stretched far more.

While I may be tired, he is exhausted. I am blessed to have but one job, and we are able to live sufficiently comfortable on that income, but Mike works three different jobs to provide for his family's needs.

I asked him, "How do you find time to be with your family?" Well, he seems to have - at this time - Sundays off, and a couple of evenings are free.

"Its sure seems that as I feel drained by work, I have a more difficult time engaging with and leading my family. How do you do it?" Mike looked at me, smiled weakly, and said he tries as best he can.

I left that interaction thanking God for my own situation, and feeling that I have little room to complain. I can only hope and pray that I will be the husband and daddy my wife and kids need. Let me purpose here to provide the emotional support they are entitled to from me with strength. I will (try to) guide the table talk with purpose. I'll demonstrate love in meaningful ways to each member of my family.

Guess I'd better start making that transition, from "Mr. Office" to "Mr. Husband and Dad" each day as I drive home.

It takes a lot of work to balance time. How do you do that?