Drop Off
We just finished moving our daughter back into college for her sophomore year. Her first year was full of challenges and struggles, ups and downs, but she made it through and is going back for her 2nd year!
She had to head back a little earlier than everyone else because she’s on the college dance team, which performs with the marching band. That means two weeks of band camp before classes even begin.
Even though this was our second move-in, and we knew where to park and we knew what to bring and we knew how the process worked, what we weren’t prepared for was realizing that saying goodbye doesn’t really get any easier.
Our house is simply different when she’s home.
She brings laughter, joy, and energy!
And while having an adult child back home for the summer certainly comes with its challenges-like adjusting to someone else’s schedule after they’ve had a taste of independence-we still loved having her with us.
But preparing for move-in again was a project of its own.
Like many college students, our daughter wasn’t nearly as concerned about preparing for the move in as my wife and I were.
So for the last couple of weeks, my wife and I spent late nights and time during the day organizing, shopping, packing, and moving boxes to the garage.
And because of that…
My business slowed down.
The daily calls, the follow-up, meetings with clients, time with referral partners.
Much of it had to wait.
One of the blessings of running my own business is having the flexibility to adjust my schedule when life demands it. But of course, that comes at a cost. When you slow down, your income often slows down too.
But a Real Christian Businessman understands that not every investment pays dividends immediately. Sometimes the greatest investment you can make is in your family.
Like going 1-on-1 shoe shopping with your daughter.
Helping pack one more box.
Taking a quick beach trip before she heads back to school.
Those moments won’t always be available, but my business will still be there next week.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecc 3:1 (NIV)
Life has seasons.
There are seasons to build. Seasons to hustle. Seasons to work long hours.
And there are seasons when your family simply needs more of you.
Wisdom is knowing the difference.
This week, our house is quiet again, quieter than I’d like.
But I’m thankful I chose to spend those last few days with my daughter instead of squeezing every possible hour out of my work schedule.
Because opportunities come and go.
Children grow up.
The work will be waiting tomorrow.
This season won’t.