Balancing God, family, and work

[SomeCatholicGuy]

How do you do it? How do you find the time for God in the fast-paced world we live in? I try very hard to do things to honor Him, but I tend to internalize a lot of it, as opposed to outward reverence. If you’re a married guy, how do you find time for God, when you have a family to take care of and a job by which you put food on the table? If you’re single, how do you juggle all your responsibilities at work and outside of work, when you should be doing things for Him? Sorry if this sounds really random and convoluted; I’m just writing down what’s been on my mind for a while. It seems no matter how hard I try, some people will think that I’m not devout enough. Maybe they’re right, but I’m trying and I need time.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my ramblings. I’m gonna head out and watch a movie with some friends. Too much thinking really isn’t good for me, I’ve found out.

Have a great weekend and God bless!

 

[Trishie]

“**The depths of a person can only be known by his own spirit, not by any other person.” **[1Corinthians 2:1]

Your relationship with God is beween you both, and shown to others by your working for them, caring for them and relaxing with them.

“Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You; or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and make You welcome; naked and clothe You; sick or in prison and go to see You?” Jesus replies “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” “In so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least, you neglected to do it to me.” [Matthew 25:37-40, 45-46]

 

[duskyjewel]

Who cares what OTHER people think? If you are pursuing looking more devout in order to improve other people’s opinions of you, then you are the same as the hypocrites praying loudly in the street, and the people who broadcast their fasting by not washing and putting ashes in their hair, that Jesus condemned. Remember, what you do in secret is known by your Father in Heaven and will be rewarded.

Most devotion is internal. I’ll be honest. I know my husband is a very spiritual man, but I don’t know anything about his everyday prayer life. He and I talk about spiritual matters sometimes. We go to Mass as a family every Sunday and find ways for our family to serve in the ministries at the parish. My own prayer life is not very structured. It is internal, silent, and spontaneous most of the time.

You know the truth of your relationship with God. If you feel you need help with it, then ask it from qualified people. A priest, a friend you admire, even your spouse. I know my DH has enlightened certain Bible verses for me in ways I would never have thought of myself. But people who do not know the truth of your faith life criticizing you? Why bother caring what they think? It’s not their opinion that ultimately matters.

 

[puzzleannie]

when I put God first, make the time for prayer, Mass etc., put service next, make the time for others, for service, volunteering, helping the poor, doing whatever, in both my time & talent, AND with my money, things generally go well. I get through stressful periods better, I handle difficult people better, I find time for what I have to do, I am able to prioritize and stay focused.

When I neglect prayer, esp. when I use the excuse, I am too tired or too busy, most especially when I miss Mass for such a reason, things start to fall apart. The daily hour for prayer–for me–is critical. With it I am fine in the other 23 hrs. w/o it, the other hours just dissipate with nothing accomplished.

\When I focus on me, my needs, esp. the lazier (and more fattening) types of relaxation and recreation, other things fall apart–time management, relationships, everything. When I look for ways to do things for DH, family members, friends, and most esp. when I follow those little nudges to do something for the poor (no matter what type of poverty), for the Church etc., everything else goes well. My own dissatisfactions, even fatigue, dissipate.

other people, esp my family, don’t have a clue about my personal prayer and spiritual life, nor should they, but I hope they feel the good effects in my words and actions, even if they don’t know the source.

“some people” don’t think you are devout enough? if “some people” is not your priest in confession, or your spiritual director, stuff 'em. why are you even discussing this with anyone other than the two people just listed?

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi SomeCatholicGuy;

You know, God really is in the details. He is in our work, He is in our homes…in our families…He’s everywhere, if you just keep your eyes and ears open. He is in your coworker who you might not like…or in your wife…in your children. He is the reason we have a roof over our heads…good jobs…and beautiful families.

Once you get married some day, if you feel this is where God is leading you–just spend each moment knowing that God is present in each person you meet…every moment is given to you by God, and every task we do, we should lift it up to Him…in thanksgiving, praise, and by doing our very best each day to serve Him and others–we honor Him.

While it’s important to set aside special time for prayer, etc…we should always know that God is in the everyday details, and always there to help us grow in holiness in what seems to be the most mundane things of life.