Absence

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I have been absent from writing. I’d like to say I was away on some noble task, but the truth is, I just didn’t make time to do it.

My reminder is set for every few days. There is no excuse. There is no reason other than I did not do it. You see, it solely is my fault, so I hope you’ll forgive me if you’ve been coming back for content.

I have a boss who has been quoted as saying, “Don’t work for free.” By this he means go home. Be a family man or woman. Be present in your family’s life. Be present with them.

Too often, we are absent from what matters. I know jobs matter to put food on the table, but your family (or yourself if all alone) matter more. Being absent from your family WILL have consequences just as being present will.

Your job, no matter how noble or how important, has no eternal meaning, unless of course if you are a pastor or full-time mom/dad raising your kids. Making sure your kids know Jesus, that is what matters!

Don’t be absent. Just don’t. There is no excuse in giving 70-80 or more hours each week and constantly being absent in your kid’s lives. Things will come up occasionally. Conferences, deadlines and important things will happen from time to time.

Your kids need you present but your spouse does too. You can’t know each other if you don’t have time together and often. You can’t be on the same page if you’re not together.

Set a reminder if you have to. I have one for 5:00 every day and I’ll leave a coworker in a second to go home. It’s that important!