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Bobbie Houston: How to Balance Ministry and Family

1. BE GRATEFUL YOU ARE BUSY AND THAT YOU HAVE A LIFE TO JUGGLE

Some people have nothing to live for or “spend” their lives for. I once found myself whining inside my head because I had (on occasion when Brian was away) to navigate FOUR midweek football training sessions (that were never on the same nights) and TWO GAMES on a weekend. Then, on the corner of Seven Hills Road and Chapel Lane, the Holy Spirit reminded me how blessed I was to have little boys who could play sport. Point quickly taken as I sat at a set of red traffic lights.

2. HOUSEWORK

Never go empty handed around the house – learn to multi-task. It saves time and energy. I often gather stuff and leave at the bottom of steps, front door, garage entry…

3. WRITE LISTS

We think we won’t forget, but we do, especially when our minds are filled with so much. We all seldom go anywhere without our phones, so start a simple “to do” list on your phone!

4. INVEST IN A GOOD CLOTHES DRYER (if possible)

Helps turn endless, endless, endless laundry around faster. (Hang the big, power-sucking stuff out in the sunshine, but socks, undies, etc. can be turned around quickly in a good dryer…and we all know, it’s the undies and socks that cause family-meltdowns).

5. LEARN TO FOLD CLOTHES OFF THE CLOTHESLINE OR DRYER

Hang shirts or t-shirts…saves ironing. Who has time to iron these days? (Although, I do recall ironing the blue chux-nappy-liners that went inside the cloth nappies that we soaked and then washed and then hung on the line and then folded again!! Yeah girls, back in the day when disposable nappies/diapers were still being invented…smile!)

6. DO GROCERIES ONLINE (if possible)

The big bulky stuff that drains time, energy, and makes pushing the shopping trolley to one’s car a nightmare. Yes, there is a delivery fee, but measure it against what your “precious time” is worth. (And for the record, I only just started this, and I’m 54…and the first time we did it, we accidentally bought enough beans to feed a small nation! Online novice mistake!)

7. SHARE THE LOAD WITH FRIENDS

Especially if you are part of a church community. ex. My daughter-in-law Lucille sometimes helps my daughter Laura with baby Willow when she needs to be at Friday night youth. Being “our sisters’ keepers” means we try to watch out for one another when we need help!

8. IF YOU TEND TO BE A HIGH MAINTENANCE PERSONALITY

Lighten up! I’m saying this with utmost affection, but some girls need to just lighten up. Don’t be a “drama queen.” It’s marginally cute in movies but not really in real life.

9. TRAIN YOUR KIDS TO PICK UP AND BE RESPONSIBLE

I tried! Succeeded on some levels, tragically failed on others! True confessions.

10. DON’T NAG

Remember what the Bible says about a “dripping, nagging wife” (or mother). If you are not getting the response you desire from the family, rethink, and ASK JESUS about a better way perhaps.