Balancing priorities

When we are serious and sincere, we can find time for everything.

In his book, “The 8th Habit,” Stephen Covey narrates another powerful story. A friend was quite attached to his mother. At one time in his life, he got caught up in his own commitments. His life got so busy that weeks would go by before he would make even a quick phone call to his mother. And when he did manage to make a visit, it would be very hurriedly done. Another meeting to go to, another deadline to meet. The meeting with his mother became a chore.

The mother never complained to her son. But the son wasn’t happy with the situation. He was dejected that he couldn’t consistently spend time with his mother. So, he discussed it with his wife. She suggested scheduling a time each week or so that would work for both his family and his mother. When they looked at the calendar, they saw the wife had choir practice every Wednesday evening. That night became his night to spend with his mom.

Now the visits became scheduled and regular. The son did not run off within the first ten minutes, and there were few interruptions. If the mother wanted to get some exercise, the two would go for a walk together. On other occcasions the mother would cook a meal for her son. Sometimes the son would take her to do shopping at the mall, which was a bit too far away for her to drive to. And they kept talking about family, about current events, about old memories. Every evening the son spent with his mother gave him peace which he had not previously enjoyed.