Restoring Order, Pt. 2

Since we decided last time we needed a change, whether because we are in a new season or our lives are so chaotic that we just need a change, we need to start the process of making a real, quality change to restore some sense of order to our lives and to our family’s lives.

When Paul writes to the Christians in Corinth to help them solve some problems they were having in their church, he tells them that things need to be done “…in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:40). The same is true for us; our lives our busy, even chaotic at times, with a lot going on, just like the early churches, but we too need to do things in an orderly way.

What does that look like? Is it scary? Probably. Is it intimidating? Most likely. Is it completely worth it? I’m pretty sure. In his book “The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family” Patrick Lencioni writes, “Life should be an adventure…however if we could achieve a little more sanity in the midst of that adventure, and transform our stressful, frantic families into more peaceful, proactive and intentional ones, wouldn’t that be worth doing?” I think we all agree it would be. He gives great insight into how to do this and to get a handle on it but you’ll have to read the book (which by the way, can be found in the Rolling Hills bookstore) for the step by step breakdown.

Meanwhile, what can you do immediately to prepare for the journey of restoring order to your family? Here are some regular, everyday thoughts that might help you start your process:

1. Think about what’s important to your family. If it’s spending more time together, then only you can change that. But just wishing it is not going to make it happen. You won’t do it just because you want to. You have to have a clear plan.

2. Start by making a list of everything, and I mean everything, you are involved in/do as a family. Then take a red marker, and after some discussion time, start crossing a few things off. What’s your guideline? What robs you of spending time together as a family? Probably work and school are on there. Guess what, nothing you can do about those! Those are the static things, the ones that can’t change. Then you probably have a sport or two, dance, cheer, play dates –and for you - maybe a book club or poker club. These are the harder ones. But as my mom once said, “anything worth doing is going probably going to be hard to do.” She was right. Time to make the hard decision? It’s time.

3. Then the fun part – start filling in those now gaps with precious family time. Not just sitting around the TV but plan some time at home. Play Clue Jr or Scrabble or Go Fish or shoot even Monopoly if your kids are older. Decide to read a devotional together as a family every night. Have movie night but show the kids home movies of when they were infants and possibly their birth (moms that’s up to you!). Pop some popcorn and then look at photo albums. You’ll be surprised at how much kids love hearing about when they ‘were little’. You can plan some outings too – as long as you do them together and don’t plan too many.

If it’s time to restore order to your busy, crazy family life, then you need to make the time to make the changes. And while that’s never an easy process, (remember, nothing worth it is easy!) you’ll be leading your family in an orderly way. Pray for strength for you and for your family, that they will accept the changes and that you can implement them.  It will so be worth it!

Comments

bud lamb wrote on October 21, 2010 at 02:00 AM:

Thanks for the reminder that what matters is time together not stuff I buy.

Making change is like taking baby steps...one...after...another...

Reply

bud lamb wrote on October 21, 2010 at 10:03 AM:

Thanks for the reminder that what matters is time together not stuff I buy.

Making change is like taking baby steps...one...after...another...

Reply

Scott wrote on December 10, 2010 at 04:12 PM:

Your mom is a very wise woman indeed! :)

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