Last week our family enjoyed a simple kind of vacation, away from home and further up north.

There was swimming at the lake, at the pool.  Extra time with grandparents, spending time at the library, catching ball, cooking together.

Mom and Dad enjoying a vacation within a vacation…a few days away, just the two of us (kiddos were loved on by extra-doting grandparents who I think were happy to have full reign! :)).

Simple pleasures, doing everyday things.  The right type of vacation for this summer.

I hope you enjoyed restful moments as well…

Week #29  Honor primary relationships

Recently I wrote and submitted an article to a homeschooling company, a topic of their choosing.  The request was to craft words around this message:  homeschooling mom, make time for your husband.

And so I wrote.

When they’re ready to publish, I’ll share where to find the full article.  But, let me pull one statement as a foundation for today’s encouragement…

Your husband is married to a wife first, not a homeschooler.

We’re not all focused on home education, and I’m not picking on a particular group.  Fill in the word ‘homeschooler’ with whatever fits for your situation.

Not a _____ ?

You see, I’ve noticed in my life, and in others’ lives as well, that quite a bit of stress presents itself when primary relationships are not honored.

Quite a bit of stress.

Relationships are paramount.  They are tremendously important to God, and He designed all of creation, all of humanity, to be centered on this one principle — to commune, to fellowship, to love, grow, thrive within the context of relationships.

We were never created to be loners.

And those closest to us, nearest to our hearts…most likely those we live with day in and day out…need our focus above all other relationships.

When I’m in sync with my spouse, am close to my children, when we as a family walk together in mutual respect, honor and love for one another….life is bliss!

I’ve experienced the other side of this too, and yes, it’s incredibly stressful.

Relationships are an ongoing work in progress; like a well-tended garden, they need consistent attention and care.  Without this, they don’t thrive and grow as intended.

Honor your primary relationships.  

Be present, be focused, be there for those close to you.

There’s not much in life which matters more…

:

Action Plan:  which primary relationship of yours would you want to see move towards growth?  how do you play a part in this?  If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your community circles or even to professional assistance.  God is on your side and cheering you on!

More to Read:  Let’s pray instead?  Spending a few minutes to commit that primary relationship to our God…