Everyone’s life revolves around something. For each it varies. Sometimes it is obvious. For example with for first-time parents it is usually the newborn child. For a man just with a family to support it is usually his work. And the list goes on. People carry with them a passion, a sense of responsibility or obligation, or feeling of duty. Whatever it is the net result is that life revolves and centers on one, possibly two specific focuses.
I doubt that I have ever gotten my work life balance correct. I know I have had good intentions. Early on I wanted to prove that I could support my family. The commitment was strong enough that in retrospect I can see that I forced everyone else in the family to shape her life around this commitment. I wonder if I would make the same choices knowing what I now know. Yet even with experience the central focus on something remained. It was if I needed this type of perspective in order to survive.
I do not appear to be unique. Some suggest that all men are, in some way, obsessive compulsive. We appear driven by certain parameters in life with the net result of being the provider out-weighing everything else! It is hard to argue with the logic given the amount of evidence around us. Yet is this focus where men should strive? Is our role in being part of the care-giving parent automatically secondary? What about being an equal partner in the family work? Can, do, or should spiritual leadership be important?
Women are not immune to the observation. Everyone has an opportunity to stretch beyond his or her “self” and engage others in the process. Parents, kids, extended family; each has an opportunity to play a role in the life of others. Our collective “end” gives us a clue as to life’s real focus. “The nations will walk in its [God’s] light and earth’s kings bring in their splendor.” (Revelation 21.24)
Life’s focus today begins is this moment. You set the course. Everyone is waiting.
