Lifebytes

SHARING LOVE WITHOUT SPREADING OUT TIME TOO THIN by karen whiting

WWW.KARENWHITING.COM

BLESSING OTHERS THROUGH OUR WORK AND MINISTRY IS GODLY AND SHOULD BE

INTENTIONAL. If we overcommit, though, it can leave us feeling guilty as we crowd out loved ones and time for self. How should we choose where to invest our time and when?

Start with God and prayer. Remember He wants to be center in our life, so make sure you set aside time to pray, read Scripture and listen to God.

Share your calling with your family. They understand the need for the breadwinner to work. Let them know that God wants you to invest time and reach out to help others. Encourage them to listen to God so they will know how to serve Him too.

Engage your children in your ministry. Be sure you pray with them about your ministry Ask them to pray about any problems you have in your ministry. Let them help you. They can help with mailings, filling

your printer’s paper tray, helping to keep your office tidy, or other small tasks. Ask your spouse to pray and partner with you. Find times he can go with you when you speak to understand your ministry better.

Set boundaries. When it’s family time, including meals, turn off technology and don’t answer or even glance at your phone. Invest that time in listening to family members, laughing and talking together, and being wholly with them.

Evaluate your time investment and check your motives. Are you following God’s leading or just being busy? Set aside a monthly time to review and adjust your activities, time choices and progress.

Be accountable. Have a godly person in your life as an accountability partner. Let that person listen to you and give you feedback on how you manage your time commitments and even your social media.

Schedule time to relax and unwind. Invest in a hobby or activities that help you slow down and loosen up. It will make you happier and less stressed. You will smile more and interact with people with more joy.

Schedule time for family activities. This may mean setting a boundary of how many weekends you will travel. It may also mean making sure you don’t fill too many evenings with meetings and phone calls. Be available for your family and ready to listen and respond to their needs.

Limit social media. Set short time periods to check posts and interact. Don’t let yourself get addicted to beeps and posts.

Always circle back to spending time with God. End your days with prayer and asking for God to guide the next day. LH