Guys, what do we do when our wife and family wants us one place and we want to be another? Sure, where we want to be might be a good thing, but which do we chose?

My advice is do not think that you’ll always have next year. It is true that we may have next year, but no one is guaranteed that. The book of James tells us that. Many times we think, “I’ve been there before. It’ll happen next year. I’ll see it again sometime.” That is not always true. Take the opportunities you have today to show your family love.

But your saying, “The other place I need to be is a good thing. It’ll show Gods love. I may only have this chance. This season only happens once a year.” I understand your dilemma. I’ve been there before between church and others needs. Many times I’ve chosen others over my wife and kids. Feeling like I could  make a difference at the other opportunity. But one of the tough lessons I’m learning is that my presence matters to my family. Sure we do things as a family. We eat together, watch a show, play a game, go on a walk, etc. But when these special events happen they care if we are there. This may be the only chance you have today to show them how much they matter.

That may seem like a tough thing, but I always remind myself that at least they care if I’m there. There are families where the wife and kids don’t even expect the dad to show up. Our mere presence tells them we love them and that they matter. As I man I’ve struggled and even fought with my wife over this. I’ve actually in the past missed family things because of church things. In the end I’ve regretted not being there for my family. This is my advice for you. Show up for your wife. Show up for your kids. This small sacrifice will communicate love.

Our family is the first place that our love for God should show up. If we will sacrifice for others but not those closest to us, what does that say about our love? Make the sacrifice for those closest. It will matter the most.