Work is something we all do. There is no getting around it. Your work may be in the home, in a high rise corporate office, in your local church, or perhaps right now you are a full-time student. At any rate each of these can be called “work.” Here we will term work as something that occupies time and causes you labor.

Whatever your work, a well defined balanced relationship, between the elements of work and life, is necessary. Shifting too far to the left or right in either direction throws things off. Notice we used the word “balanced” in the relationship between work and life. Balanced meaning a state in which various parts form a satisfying and harmonious whole and nothing is out of proportion at the expense of the rest. With a balance it is not necessary for all elements to receive equal attention. This is the case with the work life balance.

In creating harmony between the two, life should receive the greater amount of attention; with work receiving the lesser of your time and energy. We know our families and close relationships come first. Yet, it can still be a challenge to walk this out.

Listen to this: In a study the question “Do you have any regrets?” was asked to millionaires and high ranking executives who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Without fail the number one regret was that they didn’t spend more time with family. When asked their greatest joy, the answer was, “my family.”

Work, whether an act of service as in a ministry capacity, gainful employment, or even educational studies, must be balanced with the needs and desires of your family. Make wise decisions regarding how much time is spent at work. Remember, we have termed work as anything that occupies time and causes labor. Let your loved ones be the first people on your list. This may mean allowing someone else to volunteer for that ministry activity, taking one less class of higher learning, or shortening your office hours. Look at your life and make the decisions that promote joyful harmony in your family. You know they come first; let them know they come first. This can be done in many ways that will be personal to your family.

BMWK – Tell us, what do you do to keep a life and work balanced, so that your family knows they come first? What you share may help someone else.