Not intentionally of course, but I've just been too stinkin' busy to invest much in our relationship the last few weeks.
I arranged a surprise birthday party for her last month with a few other couples, and it was a big hit. But since then I've been working full time, coaching soccer, leading a youth group on Wed nights, and biking every chance I can get. Oh, and I teach a part-time class at PCC during the week in addition to my full-time day job, and have launched a few new web sites including the one you're visiting 
.
I don't consider any of these bad things - but when you add them all up together they amount to a jam packed week! And it's been going on for too long.
The final straw for my wife was when I started making plans last week to play soccer on Monday night with a couple other guy friends, and also made plans for this week to take a buddy out for a movie for his birthday. I definitely hurt her feelings because my actions communicated how low she was on my priority list.
I ended up cancelling the soccer idea, and we're going out this Friday night on a date. I arranged for the kids to do a sleep over at my folks house that night, and I'll bring flowers home as well (though I should have done that tonight instead of waiting!)
It's tough sometimes isn't it guys? Our intentions are good, but we have to keep a tight watch on our priorities to avoid hurting those closest to us. I know I've stretched a few other friendships thin over the last few months as well, but I'll be working hard to bring a little more balance to my life and catch up on the things that are most important.
That is so true Rick. I
That is so true Rick. I lost a marriage due to priorities being messed up. I was traveling around the world, often gone for weeks at a time. Often in countries where calling home was difficult and a once a week event. For me work was my priority and it cost me my marriage. My wife found comfort in church activities and her friends and we wound up sharing an address, phone number and that was about the extent of our relationship.
After that I exited the 100% travel career path that I was on - and am now home every evening with my new wife. I've had opportunities pop up every few months -- high paying jobs -- executive level titles -- multinational companies -- limelight positions -- dream jobs -- 100% travel -- and I've turned them down. Part of me still wants those positions -- but every time I tuck the kids in bed and play with our 7 month old daughter on the floor -- I realize that God has put us on earth for a very short period of time and our place is with our family -- no in some lonely hotel room.