In order to be able to prioritize our lives we need to stop and take stock of what is truly important to each of us and also those we spend our lives with.
What many need most is more than just a superficial glossing over of the trivialities which we think are integral to our well being. We see an Add on TV and think we need the product in order to make our lives easier, or it is the latest fad that everybody who is anybody must have at all costs.
To help us visualize what we have placed as all important let us do this test......If you were told that you had only 48 hours to live, what would you be impelled to do? Go out and buy the latest scandal sheet in order that you know who is divorcing who or what star is squabbling with another? Would you go to your local blockbuster video and DVD store and order reruns of your favourite soap opera's then sit glued to your sofa as you spend the remaining hours of your life in front of the telly?
Wouldn't it be more the case that you would quickly realise that all the above is not truly important to you and that what was once unthinkable to go without now becomes superficial, which pollutes rather than informs your mind and soul. If we really had this situation confront us wouldn't we all make amends to those we have injured and forgive those who have injured us, as we realise that the argument that seemed all important is no longer relevant? Also would it not be the case that we would spend the best time with our families and our dearest friends in order to leave them with treasured memories of us?
At times we need to stop and think and reassess what truly matters to us in order to find what truly makes us happy, and through this we also understand what will make our families happy and productive. But should we always rely on the shock value factor in order for us to reach this level of awareness in our lives?
The key component to how happy or how spiritually fulfilled we long to be lay in the word moderation. It is unhealthy for both adults and children to spend more than 10 hours a week in front of the TV, this also applies to the internet. We may all long for a 'quiet life' but is the mixed messages your children receive from so called 'safe programs' truly what you want to instill in them? Programs such as 'The Simpson's where the father is displayed as an idiot, the mother doesn't seem to know what's going on and the 'Christian' in the programe is seen as a foolish do-gooder while the son is seen as 'cool' because of his smart mouth and wise cracks do you truly want this message relayed to your children? Or other programs such as 'Charmed' where witchcraft is promoted as exciting? We all know the dangers of the internet most especially when a child has access to the computer without proper supervision. We don't always know the dangers when it concerns our Spouses for in every marriage difficulties arise and internet chat rooms are dangerous for encouraging adultery, many forget sin is sin no matter the format!
This is why moderation in all things will help us prioritize what is important and essential to our inner health and happiness, a loving and wholesome relationship with our partner and also happy and unspoiled children, but this takes work it doesn't happen by magic.
Both husband and wife need to validate each others position within their marriage and respect each other's opinions and values, it takes co-operation and a sharing of the household work. No couple can be truly whole and giving when both are overstressed and exhausted, which then becomes exacerbated as your children pick up the vibes of discontentment.
This is where both Spouses need to sit down and decide what is truly important to you both, a happy and content home filled with the necessities of life? Or a home filled with the latest gadgets, TV sets, computers, designer clothes and shoes? For in order to have all these luxuries then both couples need to work full time as they max out their credit cards and take out numerous loans. It is not 'things' that bring joy into your relationship it is spending quality time with your family which will bring a lasting contentment without the stress and exhaustion of trying to provide the unnecessaries of life.
Upon reading this take a look at the purchases in your home and ask are they truly necessary for your well being or are they time wasters with no spiritual input?
In order to truly live happy and wholesome lives, we need to spend quality time with God in prayer as we converse with our Lord without giving Him a list of 'must needs' and instead remain quiet as God fills your soul with Himself. This then refreshes us as we are able to reflect this inner joy to our families in an atmosphere of peace and contentment.
Remember what you choose there too is your heart.
Peace of Christ to you ALL
Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.
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