However, the idea kept coming up in my mind as it applied to a number of other aspects of life. Spending money on a family vacation this year means that we won’t be able to afford to visit our relatives this summer. If we decide to go to the beach all day Saturday, instead of doing the laundry, we wash and fold clothes in the evenings during the week instead of relaxing. Time, as well as money, is a limited resource.
Earlier this school year, my daughter was feeling overwhelmed with her schedule, including the goal of getting all A’s and B’s in academics, participation in a varsity sport, having an active social life, being an officer of a service club and participating in dance. I told her she needed to prioritize. She said, “Mom, I have prioritized! I have chosen these five things to do!”
As we mature, we recognize that everything can’t be a priority. We need to decide what is most important to us, or where our gifts lie. When we choose to put our heart into one thing, something else will necessarily get less attention.
Some families may put a priority on their child’s academic achievement, working toward a competitive college one day, and sacrifice participation in some afterschool sports. Others may put a greater emphasis on sports as a way for their child to learn discipline and achievement.
Perhaps music is the area of interest and talent, so after school time is spent at piano or violin lessons. When our children are young, a few hours a week are adequate to devote to an activity, so they can participate in a number of different ones; however, as they grow older, they must choose. Achieving excellence in something requires
single-minded devotion and a great deal of time.
Prioritizing becomes imperative. What we must remember is that excellence in every area is not an achievable goal. Despite the ideals held up in our culture, expecting our children to spend hours each day at sports practice and still have enough time to study adequately to make all A’s in a demanding curriculum is unrealistic for most of us. There is an opportunity cost involved when we choose to spend our time doing something well, and that is okay. Whatever our child’s gift, if it is something that gives them purpose and prepares them for life, then it is a worthy pursuit. Giving up something isn’t a loss if what is gained is greater.
In fact, God doesn’t expect excellence in every area. He expects us to use our particular gifts with devotion and honor given to Him. He has an individual path for each one of us, one that he has especially prepared. And there will be costs and opportunities missed. But it is on His path, not all paths, where we find real joy and satisfaction.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Jennifer Cable
Elementary Principal