Prepare for lift-off…

Remember when we were little and the teacher would wheel a TV into the classroom so that we could watch the lift-off of a space rocket or shuttle? I used to imagine what it would feel like to be strapped into the cockpit ready to rocket into space for an exciting adventure. Well, if you’re like me and you have school-age children, that is probably what you are feeling like right about now—though the adventure that waits may not feel so exciting! Our children are going back to school and the slow and relaxing pace of the summer months is giving way to early mornings, carpools, appointments, packed lunches, fieldtrips, sports practices, homework, and extra meetings. And then come the holidays… Whew, I’m tired already.

Though the pace of our lives seems to change overnight, the peaceful order of our homes and hearts need not. There are some simple things that we can do to keep our lives and families from rocketing out of control…

1. First things first: Don’t neglect daily time with the Lord; it is a lifeline. We have the privilege of daily drawing grace from the one who is sufficient for every need, care, trial, and weakness. And Scripture promises, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you…” (Isaiah 26:3).

It might also be a good time to listen or re-listen to Andy Farmer’s message, “Busy” from the Spring Family Life meeting.

2. Remember priorities: We can feel the acute need to “get things done”, but we must take care that this does not happen at the expense of our husbands and children. Make sure they know they are your first priority. Take time to draw them out each day and find out about their experiences—their joys, their trials, their needs. Encourage them and help them where they need it.

3. Plan ahead: Take time at the beginning of the week to check your schedule. Make note of special needs and events for the upcoming week. Plan easy meals or left-overs for busy days. Make sure you have needed school supplies or clean sports uniforms ahead of time. Try packing lunches the night before.

4. Coordinate schedules: We usually take a portion of our family night to talk about the upcoming week so that everyone knows what to expect. This also makes it easier to involve our children in serving the needs of the family from week to week.

5. Get adequate sleep: How easy it s to burn the midnight oil trying to get done with that never-ending “to do” list. But there is enough time each day to do everything that the Lord has appointed for that day. Psalm 127:2 says, “It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” What a benevolent Father!

Lastly, remember who cares for us as we labor in caring for our families…”And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)