Balancing Academia, Family, and Faith

I’ve often heard, and even asked myself, the question: “How do you do it?” This question is usually directed at women juggling demanding careers with family responsibilities, particularly when their work requires constant travel. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my own life as a lecturer, wife, mother of two young children, and a committed Christian. The unique angle I want to explore today is how we often consider balancing our physical responsibilities but overlook the mental and spiritual loads we carry. Our faith and involvement in church activities often take a backseat in these discussions, but they are crucial to achieving true balance.

The Bible says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). We are constantly reminded to put God first. In theory, it’s supposed to be God, then family, then work, and other responsibilities. However, in reality, work often comes first, followed by family, with church and God expected to understand and accept our excuses. Finding balance starts with recognizing proper placement, which has been the most challenging aspect of my life.

It took a period of illness and deep reflection to realize that when God is placed where He belongs, everything else naturally falls into place. My family became a priority, and while work remained necessary, it no longer dominated my life as it once did. This realization led me to develop some strategies for balancing academia, family, and faith that I’d like to share with you.

1. Prioritize Properly: God comes first, family next, and everything else follows. This isn’t just about morning and evening devotions, although those are essential. The Bible says, “From the rising of the sun to its going down, The Lord’s name is to be praised” (Psalms 113:3). It’s about acknowledging God throughout the day. For me, this looks like starting my day with prayer, staying connected to God through moments of gratitude and reflection, and making a conscious effort to live without sinning. Some days are easier than others, but it’s about being vigilant and recognizing when I’m pushing God aside for work.
2. Listen and Obey: I’ve made a commitment to God to listen and obey when He speaks, whether it’s a call to pray or rest. This is important because work can easily take more than it should. Like many of you, I often bring work home, neglecting critical aspects of my life, including my faith. This can lead to rushed, half-hearted prayers at the end of a long day, leaving no time for God to speak to me. Balancing it all involves listening to God and obeying, even when it means making sacrifices.
3. Create Flexible Schedules: Many of us have a routine that becomes so rigid and monotonous that we fail to spend real time on what matters. Prayer becomes repetitive, and we miss opportunities to hear from God or truly connect with our family. While having a schedule is important, it’s equally important to be deliberate about including quality time with both God and family. This might mean setting aside time for family activities or ensuring you have those quiet, personal moments with God.

To wrap up, here’s a blueprint of how I balance academia, family, and faith. Like many of you, I have a standard schedule, but within that routine, I’m deliberate about certain activities. At least once a month, my family plans an outing, whether to the beach, an arcade, or another fun location. Twice a month, we have a game night, which the kids eagerly anticipate. A nightly prayer before bed is non-negotiable, and on weekends, we aim for a family devotion.

My personal devotion time is sacred. At some point each night, I retreat to my bedroom for a lengthy prayer session. This time is invaluable, providing me with a sense of peace and release. It’s in these moments that I reflect on my day, express gratitude, and commit my family, work, and life to God. It’s in this secret place that I find my balance, as God reveals where I need to slow down and refocus on what truly matters.

Balancing academia, family, and faith is a continuous journey, but with God at the center, everything else falls into place.