Food for Thought Friday: Is your FAMILY getting leftovers?

I am not a huge Joyce Meyer fan (I really prefer Beth Moore), BUT, I absolutely loved this quote from Joyce & it really got me thinking.

“Does your family get priority time or just the scraps you have left after you have given your best to the rest of the world?”

 -Joyce Meyer

I've thought something similar many times when I have been nice, patient, understanding, kind, and accepting for 8-9 hours at school, only to come home and be short, impatient, rude, and bratty to the people who really matter. It makes me sad to think that I have allowed myself to act that way, but it's true. My parents, family, and husband often get the worst of me because I've used so much energy during the day being patient with all my kiddos and co-workers. I've justified it in my head by thinking that my family and hubby already know the Lord and know I love Him and them, but I may be the only Jesus my students and co-workers see. I have an obligation to love on them so they might see the Lord shining through me.

That’s a pretty crappy excuse. There is NO reason for my family to get my leftovers.

I am typically a happy, enthusiastic, smiling, friendly face. I love my students, and they know that. Many of the people I work with (even ones I’m not close to) come talk to me or vent to me about their problems. I listen, pray with them, offer advice if they’re asking, or just lend an ear. I need to be that same person with my family.  It's not fair to them that I'm not.

I tell my athletes all the time that CONSISTENCY is so important….and it’s time for me to start applying that in my own life. I know the Lord can renew me even when I’m grumpy, irritated, exhausted, or hungry. I know because I ask Him to on a daily basis while I’m at school…and my family deserves the BEST of me.

I“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”- Romans 12:2

Is your family getting your leftovers??