Balancing Life, Family, Work, and Church

The wisdom of seasons. “For everything there is a season” (Eccl 3:1). Guzik notes Ecclesiastes gives a glimmer of hope in seeing God as Lord of time; learning the season you’re in frees you from false guilt and frantic comparison. Enduring Word

Four biblical anchors.

• Presence with Jesus (Luke 10:38–42): activity matters, but anxious service can eclipse the one necessary thing—listening to Christ. Enduring Word

• Provision for family (1 Tim 5:8): love works; refusing basic provision contradicts faith. Guzik’s comments in the chapter frame church/family care wisely. Enduring Word

• Vocation as worship (Col 3:23): work “from the heart” to the Lord; this integrates calling and character. Enduring Word

• Seasons require different cadences (Eccl 3): time to plant, heal, mend; say yes/no accordingly. Enduring Word

A balanced “rule of life.”

• Daily: morning prayer/Scripture (15 minutes), focused work blocks, embodied care (walk, water, sunlight).

• Weekly: Sabbath worship and rest; technology fast; family table ritual; small‑group/service.

• Monthly: financial stewardship review; calendar prune; chore rotation and date night.

• Quarterly: retreat half‑day for examination and planning.

Tools to keep balance.

• Time budget: block the big rocks first (worship, family, rest, work).

• Stop‑doing list: trim good things that crowd best things.

• Team talk: family huddle every Sunday evening; clarify expectations.

When imbalance hits.

• If work expands, guard Mary’s portion—start the day at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10). Enduring Word

• If church tasks eclipse home, reread 1 Tim 5 and Col 3:23; faithfulness includes the unseen labor of love at home. Enduring Word+1

• If fatigue rules, reintroduce Sabbath (see article #9).

Question: Looking at the next eight weeks, which two calendar blocks will you protect so that both your family and your soul are tended well?