Sometimes we need to put everything else on hold to invest in the ones God gave us…

Oh, how I need this reminder time and time again. And though I committed to publish an article a week when I started, for this very reason, I’m putting my writing on hold for the week… well shortening it to this anyway. 

God sure did give me an unstoppable passion to inspire others. To share my vulnerable self, words and stories for the hope of helping people find purpose and encouragement. And I absolutely love it! It drives me, it wakes me up with fire in the morning, and it consumes my dreams at night and my excitement for the future. 

What consumes and drives you? Even without thinking about it, I bet you have gifts and talents that you naturally use to express yourself or help people. In big ways sometimes! Maybe at your kids’ school, for whatever work you do, for committees and social clubs, for a hobby, or even for family event planning… Whether you do what you do out of obligation, or because you just love it, I bet there are times when you struggle to put on the brakes. Am I right?

But here’s the thing…. Though God instructed us “first” to love Him and love “others,” I’m a firm believer that the intention for “others” is… my spouse and kids first. If I can’t get that right, then I need to stop and look no further with my attention than within the walls of my very own home.

My older three kids are on Fall Break this week, and truth be told, I’ve been working hard lately. But right now, they need my presence. They likely need it more than I realize during certain seasons. In fact, in general, I think we underestimate the love and focused attention children need from us parents during these formative and impressionable years. 

And beyond our kids, even if you’re married to a solid rock, like I am, you better believe he needs to know he’s number one too. Over your work, your family, your friends, and over your “plans.” 

My heart wants to live to serve God and His whole kingdom… but it needs to start right in my home. 

What do you need to put the brakes on and hand over to God this week?? So that you can first take care of the ones He gave you.

True these years aren’t always easy, but I’m sure we’ll miss them someday! So cheers to a week of quality time and memory making!

Oh! And if you follow me on social media (I sure hope you do) my daily posts of inspiration may be recycled or borrowed this week too – all in an effort to give my family just a little more of me!

…If you’ve been consumed or distracted lately, stop and go give yours, lots of you, my friends!