Family Devotions

When my husband's schedule changed recently, our family had to adjust.  It quickly became apparent that our family time had been hurt by the changes.  It also became plainly clear that my husband was not going to be able to teach his Sunday School class like he did before.  If fact, showing up to church on Sunday mornings at all is a struggle.

The outcome for our family was not good.  It seemed like we all became a little depressed.  I began praying for a solution to the problem.  I am already stretched pretty thin, and I knew there was no way to take on any more responsibility. 

After praying, my husband and I decided we needed to purposely have family time.  We knew that a part of that time needed to be dedicated to the Lord.  We are kind of everywhere when we are at church with some of us teaching or involved in different groups.  My husband and I both felt we weren't studying, praying, or worshiping as a family.  We felt led to get together as a group for family devotions.

Thursday night became Family Devotion night.  Weekends wouldn't work because of activities and work schedules.  My husband's work schedule ruled out the beginning of the week.  He's left for work by 4:30 in the afternoon every day... usually when the kids get home.  Wednesday evenings are church nights.  That left Thursdays.  It's not always easy with homework.  Sometimes the oldest daughter has to work.  So far, we have managed.  Homework is done right after school.  If my daughter is working, we start the devotional later when she gets home.  Either way, we are spending time in God's Word together.

So far, my husband has run the devotionals.  He isn't teaching, so this is his time to prepare a lesson and work the teacher within him.  With the exception of Megan, the two year old, the kids have really gotten into the devotions.  They ask questions and take turns reading.  I realize that sometimes Laura might not understand at nine years old.  Yet, she does understand quite a bit.    The kids look forward to devotion night and have even invited friends.

I would encourage Christian families that, if things get crazy, be creative and find ways to learn and worship together.  The economy has made it so my husband has to work some crazy hours, but we still are determined to live out our faith as a family.