Broaden Your Horizons...Read a Book or Two!

  Recently, I have been thinking about how busy life is. All this talk in business about becoming a better professional, a better parent, a better spouse, a better leader, etc. But how much can I really do, when I'm being pulled in so many different directions?

And how much can you really do when your focus is spread in so many different places? Seriously...You prepare the meals, maintain the yard, balance the checkbook, take the kids to basketball, wash the clothes, tune-up the car (so maybe not all of these things, but still!). You take care of all the daily needs of the family. So - is that your contribution to them, or simply a fulfillment of your commitment to them?

Our world today is frantic. As adults, our responsibilities are awesome. Our careers require long and odd hours away from family. Our children are lured by television towards needs and desires for more and more material possessions, i.e. logo clothing, "gaming" accessories, makeup, or cool vehicles. Our spouse wonders why there's never enough time for "us." Where will it all end? How can we slow down?

If your family is moving at the speed of life, and there seems to be no end in sight, maybe it's time to take a look at your commitment to all involved. A great place to start is time alone with your spouse - away from home. If possible, that means an overnight or weekend trip. It's a time to re-evaluate your values, your goals in life, and the direction you would like your family to take. Finally, it's a time to re-commit to the health of your marriage.

You may quickly realize that it's a time to simplify your life - and that of your family. That's easy to say yet attainable with a firm commitment. If you like the idea of simplification, there are three excellent books that can move you in that direction:

1. Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper

2. Sacred Obsession by Becky Tirabassi

3. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach 

Why not make a new commitment to your family, beginning today? Your contributions will be much more meaningful and enjoyable!