Read Mark 10:13-16

A sign in a local middle school says:

“Every mistake you make is progress.”

That could very easily be about being a parent.

Another sign in the school says:

“Mistakes are proof that you are trying.”

This could also be about being a parent.

Still another sign in the school says:

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

That is parenting!

As a parent, I am always asking myself about time management – what is most important? What are my priorities? What is more important: being busy with positive activities or God? How do I keep life in balance?

Here is the view of the founder of Focus on The Family:

“What is the biggest obstacle facing the family right now? It is over-commitment; time pressure. There is nothing that will destroy family life more insidiously than hectic schedules and busy lives, where spouses are too exhausted to communicate, too worn out to have sex, too fatigued to talk to the kids. That frantic lifestyle is just as destructive as one involving outbroken sin. If Satan can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy, and that’s just about the same thing.”

James Dobson

Over-commitment can be a problem if we do not have time to talk about spiritual things with our kids and take them to church. Can the family share a meal together three or four times a week and pray together and communicate?

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

That verse helps.

In this parable in Mark 10, parents were bringing their children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples scolded them for bothering Jesus. (verse 13)

Jesus was angry and tried to resolve a problem. Jesus became angry about subjects that He cared deeply about. Here is a comforting verse:

“Train a child in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Jesus was composed as He talked passionately about salvation. In the red letters, Jesus said:

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (verse 15)

Christ’s approach and intentions are a good gauge for how we, as parents, choose to balance our time, work and play.

Just because a parent is a Christian does not mean their kids will be Christians. What we as parents do, and how we do it, and what we say can be a big factor. Strive for a balanced life! As we pray for our children’s salvation and their future every day, remember to trust in God.

Jesus cared about salvation for everyone, including our kids.

Is your life in balance?

Tom Weckesser