Homework, sports, friends, gaming, shopping, surfing the net, texting, church…. Parents do any of these words relate to your world?

As soon as school starts, the schedules of both parents and kids quickly become overwhelming. Yes, some of these activities are necessary as they help shape and mold our kid’s lives.  However, it can become consuming for the entire family as the outside influence and calling of sports, friends, school, church and more can lure us to commit way beyond benefit.

As parents we must help filter all these activities and learn to pull away from what the world is telling us to do. Many kids think they cannot live without playing video games or texting, but we all know that is not true!  We have to learn to slow down so we can refocus what is truly important for our kids and, for us as parents. If we, as parents, do not step in to help slow down and redirect our kids, the world will sweep them up and they may never learn to slow down, relax, and focus on what is truly important.

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)

So how can we focus on God, learn to build our home on the rock, and not the sand, if we are so busy that we do not slow down to spend time with Him?

When I take my son to school each day, I turn on Christian radio and listen to one of my favorite pastors. Most of the time my son will really listen as it is peaceful and quite in the car. But even more important, is that he asks questions and gives comments about the sermon or how it is relating to him or someone at school. It is amazing to see how God’s Word can move through our lives if we just take the time to slow down.

Are you moving so fast that you are missing things God is trying to relay? Are you teaching your kids to do the same?  The challenge is now to draw a line in the sand and find some time to just slow down and listen.  Help your kids to refocus on the One that they need.

Here are some things to try:

• Turn off everything while you are in the car and listen to praise and worship music or Christian talk radio

• Find a great family Christian movie and watch it as a family

• Eat dinner as a family

• Have a family-centered plan for the weekend

• Just slow down and talk

Challenge yourself and your family, to take a step back from the Ferris wheel of life to find quality, quite and purposeful time in the Lord!

—Jason McBride

Jason is the father of 4 children and founder of The Lion’s Den men’s ministry.  He enjoys speaking to and discipling men and youth.www.JasonMcBrideMinistries.org