In my last post we considered <a title=”dealing with stress” href=”https://candygibbs.com/student-teacher” target=”_blank”>how to deal with stress</a> when it rears it’s ugly head.  With that in mind, I would like to share with you some of my ideas for guarding our time and keeping our stress levels low.

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I have the privilege of spending time with many teens and college students.  Just talking to them can give us such wisdom and insight.  One common theme that is expressed over and over in my conversations with them is that they wish their parents were more approachable.  They wish that they had more of our time and attention.

Now don’t hear me say something that I’m not saying…I know, for the most part, the things we spend our time on are good things.  Often times, even things that we feel like will provide Kingdom returns.  Many times, we spend time doing things that in the beginning was for our family. Then very quickly the commitment has little direct impact on our kids, even taking significant time away from them.  You know what I am talking about if you have ever been the PTA president, the elementary soccer coach, or even a volunteer.
<h3>There are so many things that fight for our time and many times, our families end up losing.</h3>
I have taken stock of my own time recently. It only took a quick glance, to realize that too many evenings work continued into family time.  It always seemed like an immediate need and of valid importance and it would win out over my children and my wonderful husband.  Can you relate?

It is time that I do something about this problem.  Here are some changes that I am implementing beginning immediately.
<ol>
<li>I will not take phone calls regarding work after 6:00 pm unless it is my turn to cover the hotline or truly an emergency.</li>
<li>I will plug my phone in the bedroom before 7:00 pm each night.</li>
<li>I will not allow any other event or invitation to invade time that has already been committed to my family.</li>
<li>I will not make a new commitment of my time unless I discuss it with my husband and we are in complete agreement about my decision.</li>
<li>I will limit working from home as much as possible.</li>
<li>I will give the Father full sway to point out things in my schedule that should be cancelled or rescheduled.</li>
<li>I will not be so busy that I am not available for His unexpected, divine assignments for me each day</li>
</ol>
I want to encourage you, take a serious look at how you are spending your time.  Are you focused on the right things?  Do you need to implement some of the strategies above to help you spend more quality <span >and</span> quantity time with your family?

Rest assured you are NOT alone!

Let’s do it together,

Candy

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