WORK AND FAMILY
Giving Your Family Leftovers
12.7.03
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Transcript:
"Cat's in the Cradle" is a song about a busy father who keeps putting off being with his son until he finds the time. Years pass, and one day the son cannot find time for his father.
My friend, Dave, told me about the moment his wife confronted him about how he was spending his time. She said he was neglecting his family. And Dave decided to change. He says, even now, when he hears that song, “I feel again the heavy weight, the raw truth of giving my family the leftovers.”
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Life is demanding, but the clock does not slow or stop. To give the most time to what is most precious—our close relationships—is the heartbeat and the power in the high calling of our daily work.
May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.
READER'S COMMENTS
I grew up in a family of good hardworking, helping, volunteering people. My Grandmother was the driving force behind my Dad. She was born in 1901; grew up in a time when women couldn't borrow money at a bank; only the husband could sign those papers. Grandpa bought an almond orchard in California but it was Grandma who talked to the banker about buying a tractor. Grandma who brought electricity to the farm and was given, by the Electric Company, a refridgerator, stove, hot water heater and clawfoot bathtub for doing so. She volunteered over 9000 hours as a 'Candystriper' in the hospital (among other volunteer activities); helping out with patients and families alike. When Dad went to Real Estate school at age 60 (and was in between owning and running grocery stores) she asked him just what he was going to do for a living. I worked as hard as Dad and Grandma; at times 18-20 hours/day. I learned to volunteer on a local ambulance 20-40 hours/week. Did my family suffer? Yes, but I thought that it was my responsibility and duty to work and help others. Oh how naive of me and if I could go back and change things would I...certainly. Since I cannot go back or change one past moment already spent; I treasure my family and Grandchildren now by spending time with them whenever possible. Sometimes THEY are too busy to see or call me. The Cat's in the Cradle along with the song 'Is That All There Is'used to run through my head back then. After finding our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 9 years ago the question of the second song was answered vehemently NO!! What a change in life priorities. The kids and I have been able to discuss this in recent years and are trying to add-in balance while refocusing priorities on Jesus, family and helping the less fortunate. Life still has its demands and always will; in our response to those demands we need to 'not go faster than the One who leads'. No we cannot go back but we can look ahead and make the most of our nows.
goose 6/8/2006 11:01:44 PM
Goose, I love your comment. I'm in my thirties with a young family, and I struggle with ambition. Just today, I shuffled my son to the side while I was working for a moment at home. Did the work need to get done? Absolutely. But my son only needed about 10 minutes of loving from me. Thanks for the reminder.
Mark 6/12/2006 5:12:38 PM