In our life, there is work time, family time, friend time, husband/wife time, and biblical community time.
Work Time: Both Kevin and I work outside the home. We love what we do, but family is obviously a priority. We work to provide for our family, to give back, and to make a difference. We try to leave work at work. This is harder than it seems for both of us. Kevin is a high in demand guy at his work and is always getting work emails and texts to deal with issues that might arise. And with real estate, people don't always understand that I have a life outside of work. Work doesn't stop for me if I'm in a middle of a deal. When things come up we handle them but try to get back to spending time in the other aspects of our life.
Family Time: Right now since we just have a 7 month old, family time for us is just being at home together. We get down on the floor and play with Carter and enjoy getting to watch him grow. We try to go for walks when we can and are looking forward to doing more stuff outside together as a family this summer and as he gets older.
Friend Time: Friend time is hard once you have kids. You work and then just want to go home and spend time with your family. Its hard getting out alot with a kid, especially at night when they go to bed at 8:30pm. Some ways we have worked at still keep friend time is one having weekly TV nights. One of my best friends Sarah and I get together once a week to watch a weekly TV show (ie. Bachelor/Bachelorett or Survivor). Her and her boyfriend, and now another couple friend come over and we have dinner and watch of our shows together. This has been great to help keep our friendship strong and keep us close. Another way I'm starting to get back to spending more time with some of my friends is at least monthly lunch dates. Since hanging out at night is harder sometimes, lunch dates are a great way we can get together either with Carter in tow or just the 2 of us when I'm working that day.
Husband/Wife Time: This is so important in a marriage. Having kids changes things. But your marriage came first before any kids. You have kids because of your marriage. You have to make time together. It breaks my heart to hear of divorces once kids go off to college because the kids left and the two people don't really know each other anymore because their kids because what held them together. Kevin and I have decided to make our marriage the priority. For one thats what God intended and two what an example that will create for your children someday of what a Godly marriage looks like. Practical ways to spend time, do dates 1x a week, 2x a month or monthly. Get a babysitter, find a friend or family member to watch your little one(s). Make the most of your time once your kid goes down for a nap or to bed. Spend quality time together in your home. Communicate and continue to do things together!
Biblical Community Time: Included in this is time daily with The Lord, going to church, doing church or missional activities and being in a missional community group. Kevin and I have been in a Missional Community Group since we got married. We get together once a week with other couples who have kids now. We spend time together digging into God's work, fellowshipping, or living on mission for God together. If you aren't apart of a community group, I encourage you to find one. Having a group of people to do life with and to keep you accountable is so important. Also spending time with the Lord and in his Word on a daily basis is very important. Trust me I know its hard, its something I struggle with daily, but strive to do it and make time.
I think once you become a mom or parent, time is the hardest thing to juggle. You want to spend time as a family, but you don't want to neglect friends/family, you have a job to do, and time just gets away from you. I think being conscious of that is the first step and making an effort to plan out time with all these aspects of your life will help you not miss out and let time slip away.
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