Breathing Room!

I spoke at a parenting seminar on busyness. Here is the outline I passed out.

Thrive: Busyness and Family

B Busyness is Basic

Matt. 6:31-34 So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

R Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry

Ps. 90:10-12 Our days may come to seventy years,or eighty, if our strength endures;yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

E Example of Jesus

Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

A Arm Yourself

Ps. 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

T Take it Back

Luke 16:13 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

H Habits that Build Happiness

1 Tim. 6:6,7 But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

E Enjoy Life/Family

Eph. 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live”not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Ecclesiastes 6:9 Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless -like chasing the wind. (NLT)

Discussion Questions

1. Talk about one of your favorite memories from 2017.
2. How much breathing room do you have in your schedule? Your finances? Your relationships?
3. Talk about the happiest times of your life. What was your schedule like at that time?
4. Do you prefer a clutter-free life or do you tend to gravitate toward messiness? How does this preference affect your daily life?
5. Do you currently have a Sabbath day? What are the benefits , if you do?
6. What is challenging about taking off a day from your responsibilities and obligations?
7. What makes it hard to unplug?
8. What is one thing you need to add to your schedule? What is one thing you need to subtract?
9. Are you a homebody or do you like to get out and do something whenever possible?
10. How much do you tend to be at ease at work but restless at home because work gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment? How often do you feel devalued because you chose to stay at home instead of work?
11. Think about the way you balance your work and home life. To what extent do you find yourself “absent” from important family events and promise to do better by pointing to a future that will make up for the past?
12. Have you ever wished for a 25 hour day? What would you do with that extra time?