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Key Bible Verse: Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing (Philippians 2:4). Bonus Reading: Psalm 128:1–6

Although I'm a people person, sometimes I get "peopled out" at work. I got in the car one evening so thankful just to be alone. When I got home, I decided, I'd head straight for the closet and tell my wife, "Slide the newspaper and supper under the door, and don't speak to me for three hours." You know the feeling?

But about halfway home, God started to work me over. "I called you to those people at home—your wife and kids. All they want is your time and attention." As I drove into the driveway, I struggled with the thought of denying myself and getting back into the people business.

I walked into the kitchen, leaned back on the counter, and said, "Hey, Martie, let's talk about each other's day. Tell me all about how your day went." I thought she'd faint. We talked, and then I volunteered to get the kids out from underfoot. We wrestled on the floor.

When I put my head on the pillow that night, I was thankful Martie hadn't rolled over thinking, Why doesn't he ever talk to me? And my kids weren't going to sleep wondering, Why doesn't Dad ever pay attention to us?

—Joe Stowell in A Life of Integrity

My Response: To keep my family from getting the short end of my time and energy,

Thought to Apply: Home is eating watermelon together on a hot day in the backyard and building a snowman six months later in the same spot. —Bill Carmichael

Adapted from Howard Hendricks, A Life of Integrity (Multnomah, 1997) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

O God, make me Exhibit A in my family of Your transforming power.

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