How do I need to practice what I preach?
On this blog and podcast, I incessantly “preach” about the importance of the family in God’s plan for history.
I speak often about the importance of parents going first in setting the tone and example for the Christian household as they disciple their children in the ways of Jesus.
And I speak often about keeping those things as priorities, as things that are non-negotiable in the “to do” list of life.
Applying those truths during the transitions of life… is difficult at the very least…
I’m in a season of life right now where I’m needing to focus on many different, fundamental things.
- Financial provision for the family.
- The early adult years my oldest daughter has entered.
- The “young man” phase my 14 year old son is entering.
- The continuing need to nurture my marriage relationship through healthy, non-defensive communication.
- and many, many others…
One of the things that makes it even more difficult is that I’m still getting established in my transition from full-time Pastor to self-employed ministry entrepreneur. There are many challenges in that realm alone that make my current commitments a challenge.
It’s a difficult time… especially as it relates to MY time as the leader, husband, and father in this family.
So… I’m having to prayerfully make some difficult decisions, for the family’s good, for this season of life.
Wisdom demands that I not be inflexible… that I allow room for the changes life brings, making adjustments to my schedule, my commitments, and my life as needed… so that I can keep the most important priorities of personal spiritual health, family, and work at the top of my list.
Here are some of the things I’ve decided to adjust:
- I’m going to back off on my commitment to write for this blog according to a schedule.
Up until this point, I’ve done my best to post some kind of teaching on Monday and Wednesday of every week. But I’m finding I can’t keep up that pace given my current life situation. I need to give myself a little breathing room. The desire to produce posts on a regular basis is still there, but for the sake of things that are a bit more important, I’m going to give myself permission to lessen that responsibility.
- The podcast is going to publish a bit more infrequently.
Up until now, I’ve published a new episode of the podcast every Wednesday, and I’ve had tons of fun and have had a great response from doing it. But for the sake of greater priorities, I’m allowing myself to lessen that commitment as well. I’ll still be doing podcasts – but more on a “here and there” basis. The day may come (and I hope it does) that I’ll be able to resume with a weekly schedule. But for now… all I can do is all I can do. Until that day comes, there are 60-ish episodes already available for those who need them.
And there may be other adjustments I need to make as my life takes some turns that I didn’t know to plan for.
But that’s O.K. – life is about the responsibilities that are before us each day.
Like you, I’m responsible for what the LORD places before me each morning, the good works He’s prepared for me, for that day (Ephesians 2:10). I’m going to do my best to carry them out faithfully… carefully… and with wisdom.
I value your prayers as I make these adjustments. I’m doing my best to practice what I preach…
What difficult adjustments have you had to make in life?
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Hi Carey,
I want to honor and bless you for your decision to step back and adjust your priorities. It wil reap dividends in the weeks, months, and years ahead in the quality of your relationships. God knows and sees your needs and will be faithful to provide. Thank you for your wonderful example!
Helena
Hmadsen I appreciate the encouragement. I’m not sure yet how much I’m actually going to have to prune, but I know it will be some, at least. Giving myself permission to do it has alone given me a sense of relief. Thanks for your affirmation of this decision.
I think your choice is a wise one. From a writer standpoint, I have had to make those same adjustments as I took on homeschooling one of our children and have suffered some ongoing illness. Two blogs per week was too much. As a reader, I’ve appreciated less content even from my favorite blogs. There is so much great stuff to read andnot enough time. We can only take in so much, and I still end up having to delete about have of what I’d like to read. Putting your family first is never a bad choice as long as God takes the most primary place. Thank you for all you teach in word and example!
LauraBennet you are very kind. And thank you for the encouragement!