Schedules of the Incredible Family
Schedule for Peace

Scripture Reading:  John 14:23-27

Key Verse: John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Do any families have peace-filled homes without effort?  It may take less effort for some families to have peace in their homes than others, but all families must put forth effort in this area.  Peace is not an automatic; we must schedule it.  Maybe a better way to say it is: We must schedule for it!

            When families allow their schedules to run out of control, they are destroying the possibility of a peace-filled home.  These homes are filled with stress and anxiety, trying to make sure everyone gets to where they are supposed to be.  Time is “ruler” in their home, not peace.  Time pushes and shoves every family member until everyone is upset and angry with each other.  This is not the abundant life Jesus came to give us.

            We like to tell ourselves that we “just can’t help it; that is just the way life is.”  But that is a lie.  No one has a gun to our heads when we put our schedules together.  There is a small word that most of us need to use more often: No—no to over packed schedules that leave little room for families to enjoy their lives; no to activities that may be good but not necessary or truly needed.  Incredible families have learned to stand strong against the pressures to say yes when their schedules are full enough.

Father, I need your wisdom and courage to set my schedule.  I want my life and family to enjoy peace—your peace!  I pray it in Jesus’ name, amen.