One of my biggest passions in life is marriage. I love seeing couples who genuinely have it together, growing towards Christ and building lives with purpose. But time and time again, I notice a common roadblock. It’s something simple yet powerful, and that’s time.
Part 1: The Illusion of “Doing It All”
So many couples today are trying to do it all—balancing family, faith, kids, fun, and careers. But the hard truth is, giving everything your best isn’t possible. When you spread yourself too thin, the most important things inevitably slip through the cracks. We often don’t realize that while we’re trying to do it all, we end up doing none of it well. Our energy and focus get so divided that nothing receives the time it needs to thrive. And if we’re not careful, the most precious things, like family, will bear the greatest loss.
Reflection:
Are you trying to do it all? Take a moment to reflect on the top priorities in your life. How much time are you really dedicating to each one, and does that match what’s most important to you?
Part 2: The Cost of Imbalance
Life has a way of warning us when we’re out of balance. When too much time goes into one area, something else inevitably suffers. For some, it’s their health; for others, it’s their marriage, their relationship with God, or their children. Yet people often don’t realize the impact until it’s too late, when circumstances bring them to their knees. It’s human nature to think that we’re invincible, that we can keep juggling everything without consequences. But life has limits, and so do we. Imbalance will eventually catch up to us, and usually, it’s not pretty.
Reflection:
Think about the areas in your life that may be out of balance right now. Is something important being sacrificed? How would it feel to start prioritizing what truly matters before hitting a breaking point?
Part 3: The “Time Trap”
Why do we fall into this time trap? From corporate leaders to pastors, everyone feels the pull. We let our schedules fill to the brim, taking on more than we can handle, convinced that this pace is normal. But in truth, this is one of the biggest deceptions we live in today. Time has become an endangered species, sacrificed for everything else. Society keeps pushing the idea that being busy is equal to being successful, but is that really success? Are we truly succeeding if the things we value most are slipping away?
Reflection:
Where is your time going each day? Are you filling your schedule with things that reflect your values, or are other areas demanding your attention? If time feels scarce, start considering ways to redirect it toward what matters most.
Part 4: What Time Says About Our Values
Where we spend our time reveals what we truly value. Many people place career at the top, and while hard work is good, it shouldn’t come at the cost of family. In the end, the time we invest is a testament to our priorities. Sometimes, we have to make a career sacrifice for the sake of family—but never the other way around. Our families need us more than our employers do. Jobs may come and go, but family bonds are for life. Your family doesn’t want a perfect provider; they want you, flaws and all, because that connection means everything.
Reflection:
Look back on the past week. Does how you spent your time align with what you value most? If not, what changes could you make to reflect those values more clearly?
Part 5: The Myth of Balance
Balance is possible, but it requires intentionality and a clear sense of purpose. Many people go through life in reaction mode, letting circumstances dictate their schedule instead of setting boundaries. Balance isn’t about a perfect formula; it’s about making deliberate choices each day. Balance means deciding what you’re willing to say “no” to so you can fully say “yes” to what matters. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve been doing it all for years. But if you want a family that thrives, it’s time to put them at the center of your plans.
Reflection:
How balanced is your life right now? If things feel chaotic, what’s one change you can make this week to prioritize your family and faith? Remember, even small shifts in time can bring big changes over time.
Part 6: Quality Time vs. Quantity Time
It’s not just about the amount of time we spend with family but also the quality of that time. Being present means truly engaging and connecting. You can be physically present but mentally checked out, focused on your phone or work. These moments with family are where trust and love deepen, where memories are made. Quality time doesn’t have to be extravagant; it can be as simple as sharing a meal, having a conversation, or praying together. If we’re not intentional about quality time, our relationships can slowly lose the depth they once had.
Reflection:
Are you present with your family, or just physically there? Think about ways you can create quality moments with your loved ones, making sure those minutes are filled with intention and love.
Part 7: Technology’s Time Tax
People often say, “Well, my dad worked a lot and was still there for us.” But that was 20 years ago, and times have changed. Technology, though a blessing in many ways, has also become a hidden time thief. Today, we bring work home on our phones and laptops, blurring the lines between work and family. A 50-hour workweek can easily turn into 70 when we’re constantly accessible. We can’t reclaim time until we start setting boundaries with technology, limiting work to work hours and focusing on family time when we’re at home.
Reflection:
Consider your own relationship with technology. Are you bringing work home, even when you’re “off the clock”? Start setting boundaries so you can be fully present with those you love.
Part 8: The Call to Prioritize Family
Maybe it’s time to move family back up the priority list. A dad who’s always working isn’t much different from a dad who’s never there. Time spent with family is time invested in a future legacy, shaping the people we love. If we’re not careful, they might find attention and guidance elsewhere, from people or influences that don’t have their best interests at heart. It’s our privilege and responsibility to guide our family, to be the voice they look to and trust. The time to reprioritize is now.
Reflection:
Are there moments in your family’s week where you’re fully there, showing up with no distractions? Think about setting aside intentional family time each day or week to stay connected and nurture those bonds.
Living a God-Inspired Life
Life is short, and time is precious. If we don’t make time for what matters, we’ll look back and wonder where it all went. Let’s stop chasing what doesn’t last and start investing in what does. Time is a gift; let’s spend it wisely, pouring into the people we love most and into the life God has called us to live.
Other Potential Titles
- Time: The Vanishing Treasure of Family Life
- Time: The Silent Thief in Relationships
- Time Matters: Finding Balance Before It’s Too Late