“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” — Ephesians 5:15–17 (NIV)
School is back in full swing.
For many families, this means new routines, earlier alarms, car lines, homework battles, sports practices, and a calendar so full you need a GPS to navigate it. And yet… step outside, and it still feels like summer. The sun’s hot, the pace is relentless, and the temptation is strong to just keep running without stopping to ask: Where am I going?
Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that busy doesn’t always mean wise. We can be in constant motion and still be moving in the wrong direction.
For many families, this means new routines, earlier alarms, car lines, homework battles, sports practices, and a calendar so full you need a GPS to navigate it. And yet… step outside, and it still feels like summer. The sun’s hot, the pace is relentless, and the temptation is strong to just keep running without stopping to ask: Where am I going?
Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that busy doesn’t always mean wise. We can be in constant motion and still be moving in the wrong direction.
Why This Season Can Be A Trap
As Christians, we face a subtle danger right now: overcommitment. It’s easy to let activity crowd out intimacy — with God, with your spouse, with your family, and with your church family.
The world will gladly fill your calendar for you. But it won’t prioritize your walk with God. That’s on us.
I had the privilege to raise five children — three girls and two boys — and each one was completely different in personality, pace, and passions. Some loved structure, some thrived in the chaos. Some wanted to be at every event, others preferred quiet.
But here’s what surprised me: the moments they loved most weren’t the big events — they were the simple, almost ordinary moments.
My oldest daughter loved to play Josh Groban or Taylor Swift while we drove aimlessly around the neighborhood, just singing together and “wasting gas.” For my boys, it was spontaneous trips to the gas station to grab some snacks and hang out. Those weren’t grand, expensive outings — but they were quality, unhurried moments that stuck in their hearts.
The truth? Their mom and I were busy. Life was full. But we learned that we had to fight for those simple moments — because if we didn’t make them happen, the busyness of life would erase them.
One thing I learned quickly: if I didn’t lead our family with clear priorities, the calendar would lead us. And the calendar doesn’t care about your walk with God, your marriage, or the deeper needs of your kids’ hearts.
Looking back, the moments that mattered most weren’t the tournaments, recitals, or school events — they were the unhurried conversations at the dinner table, the late-night talks in the car, the prayers before bed. Those moments only happened because we guarded them, even when it meant saying no to good things so we could say yes to the best things.
The world will gladly fill your calendar for you. But it won’t prioritize your walk with God. That’s on us.
I had the privilege to raise five children — three girls and two boys — and each one was completely different in personality, pace, and passions. Some loved structure, some thrived in the chaos. Some wanted to be at every event, others preferred quiet.
But here’s what surprised me: the moments they loved most weren’t the big events — they were the simple, almost ordinary moments.
My oldest daughter loved to play Josh Groban or Taylor Swift while we drove aimlessly around the neighborhood, just singing together and “wasting gas.” For my boys, it was spontaneous trips to the gas station to grab some snacks and hang out. Those weren’t grand, expensive outings — but they were quality, unhurried moments that stuck in their hearts.
The truth? Their mom and I were busy. Life was full. But we learned that we had to fight for those simple moments — because if we didn’t make them happen, the busyness of life would erase them.
One thing I learned quickly: if I didn’t lead our family with clear priorities, the calendar would lead us. And the calendar doesn’t care about your walk with God, your marriage, or the deeper needs of your kids’ hearts.
Looking back, the moments that mattered most weren’t the tournaments, recitals, or school events — they were the unhurried conversations at the dinner table, the late-night talks in the car, the prayers before bed. Those moments only happened because we guarded them, even when it meant saying no to good things so we could say yes to the best things.
A Framework for Winning This Season
Here’s a biblical rhythm to keep from losing what matters most:
- God First
- Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Your time with Him isn’t a leftover; it’s the fuel for every other relationship and responsibility.
- Your Own Soul
- Mark 6:31 — “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
- Rest, pray, journal, reflect. You can’t pour out if you’re running on fumes.
- Your Marriage
- Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
- Date nights, real conversations, praying together — invest here first.
- Your Family
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “These commandments… are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
- Relationship beats relentless schedules.
- The Kingdom
- Hebrews 10:24–25 — “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not giving up meeting together…”
- The church isn’t just another activity — it’s the place where we live out our calling.
Being Watchful for Our Kids
Back-to-school isn’t just about academics — it’s a spiritual season for our children, too.
Be alert for:
Parents, pray for your kids daily. Know their friends. Ask real questions. Model the priorities you want them to follow — because they will catch more from your example than your instruction.
Be alert for:
- Friend groups — Who they spend time with will shape who they become. (Proverbs 13:20)
- Social media — Identity can be stolen by comparison and likes.
- Achievement pressure — Good grades and sports wins are fine, but they’re not greater than walking with Jesus.
Parents, pray for your kids daily. Know their friends. Ask real questions. Model the priorities you want them to follow — because they will catch more from your example than your instruction.
A Prayer for the Season
Lord, in this busy season, teach us to number our days so we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us to keep You first, love our families well, guard our time, and invest in Your Kingdom. May our children grow not just in knowledge, but in godliness. Amen.