216 – When times are tough, do reach out or pull back?

#faithbites #faithjourney reach

A million things to do, and not enough time to do it. We run around trying to accomplish all of the tasks we have and strike a balance between these tasks and family and friend time. When you get super busy, do you reach out or pull back?

From my experience, many, including myself, struggle with this question. Many first cut external activities to focus on the family and their tasks. I am no different. Extra curricular activities go to focus on the internal tasks and family priorities. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We have to make choices and can’t be everything to everyone at all times.

How do we prioritize what stays and what goes? This is a very personal choice one in which I don’t judge.

Scripture on Reaching Out

One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment. – Proverbs 18:1

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.- Ecclesiastes 4:12

Reflection
There are countless scriptures about living together, being in a community, and relying on each other in hard times. Pulling back doesn’t necessarily mean isolation either.

While focusing on our core priorities is essential to balance, I must be careful on what I classify as core.
For some, it’s pulling in. For others, it’s reaching out. I, through the Lord, gain strength and happiness when interacting with more people. It gives me purpose when I help and learn from others.

At the same time, I recognize the need for me time and family time. This is definitely a tough road to travel. Furthermore, I remember that these choices don’t have to be permanent. Through time and prayer, situations change, which allow us to reevaluate our reaching out or pulling back in. This allows us both the internal focus to achieve goals and time to reconnect more deeply when times change.

Charge

Do you have too much on your plate? How do you decide what goes and what stays? Think about the advantages and disadvantages of being connected with others and drawing closer to yourself and family

Lord, help me know when to reach out to be a bigger part of your family and when I need to focus more on my family.