Every day we live out our lives. We tend to fill up our time with a lot of things. Work, hobbies, family, friends, chores, sleeping, eating... Why do we do all of these things?
Recently I have been trying to keep this in focus. My job has been very hectic and my typical 9-5 (actually 7:30 - 4:30) job has been spilling over into my nights, and weekends. It has been taking away from my family's time. I have been tired and stressed, and it has shown in my attitude. I'm not proud of this. So what do we do about this? Sometimes we have to be busy. Often times we have very mundane and trivial things that just have to be done. So how do we do these and not get our priorities out of line?
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, discussed this in great length. He wrote The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life about this. A more modern take on this is Steve Case's God is Here, Connect, which was inspired by Brother Lawrence's writings. Lawrence's main point was that no matter what we are doing, we should be doing it for God and we should be doing it with God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11
We don't necessarily change what we are doing. But we change how and why we are doing it. I'm sure that if I can readjust my attitude while working extra hours, that my attitude toward my family when I get home will be much different. I'm sure their attitude toward me, and feelings about me working more, will also change.
So what does God expect from us...
I pray that I can begin living my life with this constant clear connection to God. I pray that I can make every moment and every action in my life for God. I pray that you will, too.
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Deuteronomy 10:12
I wanted expand some, my struggle to balance work could just as easily be someone else's struggle to find balance anywhere in life. A mom balancing who she is versus constantly changing diapers and wiping noses... A student balancing studies and relationships and work. We cannot find balance without God.
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