How can we make our lives better?

Question: I am mid 50s, wife is mid 40’s; we have grade school children. We are engaged with an evangelical’s church. I am a systems engineer with a BA and my wife is a schoolteacher. How can we make our lives better?

Response:

1. Strengthen your family bonds: Allocate quality time for your family to engage in activities together. Plan outings, game nights, or regular family dinners where you can connect, share experiences, and build strong relationships.
   • “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
   • “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
     
2. Foster open communication: Encourage open and honest communication within your family. Create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and emotions. This can help foster understanding and strengthen your relationships.
   • “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19)
   • “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)
     
3. Balance work and family life: Strive to find a balance between your professional commitments and family responsibilities. Set boundaries and prioritize family time, ensuring that you dedicate quality moments with your spouse and children.
   • “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
   • “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
     
4. Invest in your children’s education and well-being: Support your children’s academic pursuits by providing a conducive learning environment at home. Engage with their school activities and maintain regular communication with their teachers. Encourage their interests and hobbies, and be involved in their extracurricular activities.
   • “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
   • “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
     
5. Seek spiritual growth within your church community: Engage actively in your evangelical church by participating in various activities, such as Bible studies, community service, or fellowship groups. Seek guidance and support from your church community, and deepen your spiritual connection.
   • “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
   • “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
     
6. Plan for your financial future: Assess your financial situation and set financial goals for your family. Create a budget, save for emergencies, and plan for retirement. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure you’re on track to meet your long-term financial objectives.
   • “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
   • “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” (Proverbs 21:5)
     
7. Focus on self-care: Prioritize self-care for both you and your wife. Take time for activities that rejuvenate and replenish your energy. Encourage your spouse to do the same. This could involve hobbies, exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends.
   • “Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
   • “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
     
8. Explore personal and professional development opportunities: Look for opportunities to further enhance your skills and knowledge in your respective fields. Attend conferences, workshops, or online courses related to systems engineering or teaching to stay updated and expand your expertise.
   • “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23)
   • “Seest thou a man diligent in his business