In high school, I remember being nearly overwhelmed with everything I “had” to do: school, sports, friends, family commitments. Then in college, I thought life couldn’t possibly get more full, and I chuckled at the anxiety of my high school self. Then Cait and I got married, started careers, had our first child, and opined for those seemingly carefree college days. When we had our subsequent children, at each step along the way, we didn’t think life could get any busier or crazier. Yet somehow it has.

Life has become objectively more full, and we can certainly look back and laugh at our previous expectations and perspectives. I’ve realized, however, that regardless of our life circumstances, we tend to thrive or struggle based on whether or not our “main things” have received our best attention and energy.

When we intentionally build our life starting on the foundation of love and faithfulness to God, then prioritize our marriage, the kids, etc., life isn’t necessarily easier, but it’s good because it is rightly ordered. Jesus reveals that our Father in heaven knows we need earthly things such as food, clothing and shelter, but he instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” (Mt 6:33) It sounds simple but it’s amazing how difficult it can be to live out when the stresses, joys and challenges of life emerge.

This is why we must regularly remind ourselves of core foundational truths: I am a beloved son or daughter of God. He has redeemed me and invited me into a deep relationship with him. 
God has called me to a particular vocation and therefore provided all the grace and power I need to be faithful and fruitful.

Whenever I allow “other things” – even good things such as hobbies or work – to be my foundation or receive my best energy and effort, I won’t be able to live the fullness of what God has for me. Our “first fruits” should be oriented to God and our vocation, and we must trust that he will provide the time, energy and ability to fulfill our other responsibilities. It doesn’t mean we don’t care or try hard in the other areas of our life, but these other commitments can’t consistently form our identity.

Jesus and our families deserve our best. This month, try committing to living a rightly ordered life and see what happens; it may not be less busy but it will be more fruitful.