A Resolution to Balance

Five years ago, with a new year around the corner, I proposed to my wife that we make a New Year’s resolution. I had various plans to accomplish and goals to discuss. But before I could share anything, my wife began to speak her heart.

She didn’t mince words.

“I think our youngest son misses you when you travel. It’s time you spend more time at home,” she said.

Then she added, “If you continue this way, he may end up calling you ‘Uncle’ rather than ‘Dad.’”

That was the last thing I wanted to hear.

Seeing my silent acknowledgement of her concern, she graciously said,

“Can you stop feeling guilty and start spending time with our kids?”

Her words hit me hard. I felt deeply convicted—not defensive—and knew I had to be intentional about spending time with my children.

So we made a simple but powerful resolution: keep Monday evenings free for our kids.

On the first Monday of the New Year, we took them to their favorite restaurant and shared our resolution with them. We promised to keep this time sacred. 

And if we ever missed it, we’d make it up later in the week.

This has turned out to be the best resolution we've ever made as a family.

What Changed?

By prioritizing our family, we’ve come to understand our kids so much better. We’ve created fun routines, played games together, and opened doors for honest conversations. Just last week, our youngest asked:

“Papa, can we have family time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday?”

For the past 17 years of our marriage, my wife and I have also made it a point to spend 30 minutes to an hour each day sharing, reading Scripture, and praying—both for our family and for the many couples we counsel.

We truly believe in the old adage:
“A family that prays together stays together.”

Very early in our marriage, we realized:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Even when one of us is traveling, we use Skype to continue our family prayer and sharing time.

Why It Matters

In our family seminars, I often ask participants to imagine their final day on earth. Almost all say they’d want to spend it at home with loved ones. Not one says they’d go to the office.

When the Twin Towers in New York collapsed, no one called their boss to apologize for unfinished work. People were calling their families to say goodbye.

Our families will outlast our work.

Let that truth shape your priorities.

God, Family, Work — In That Order

The Bible teaches us that we were not created for work—we were created for relationship. Work was meant to enhance relationships, not destroy them.

When God created humanity, He gave both men and women the shared responsibility of caring for His creation. But sadly, that purpose has been disrupted.

Today, many are ruled by their work—often at the cost of their relationships.

If your home feels out of order, consider following this divine order:
God. Family. Work.
 

Don’t let work become your god.

A Resolution That Works

Resolve this year to give your family adequate and intentional time. Let your work increase the joy in your home, not rob it. If you’re looking for a meaningful 

New Year’s resolution, try this one:

Intentional family time.
It works!

_{All images used are for illustrative purposes only and have been sourced from Pexels.}