Achieving Work-Life Balance
How to Hit the High Notes with Mac Powell
“Work hard, play hard,” the saying goes. But what about those of us juggling family, faith and a God-given calling that’s also our profession? Mac Powell, singer, songwriter, producer and musician knows this balancing act all too well. He shared some encougagement for all of us in a conversation with Family Life Radio.
Mac talked about how, as a musician, he’s always trying to find that balance of being an artist, continually trying to create and get better at what he does, but at the same time finding balance as a father and a husband.
It sounds like most of us, doesn’t it? We’re always striving to improve in our jobs, be better parents, or deepen our relationship with God.
Mac hit a chord (no pun intended) when he admitted that “finding that balance of time” between family and work is his greatest challenge. “When I’m at home, I try to be at home,” he said, underlining the importance of being fully present.
It’s likely you’ve often found yourself in the same boat. It’s easy to be physically present but mentally drafting emails or planning the next set of “to dos” in your head.
Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21 NLT). It’s a gentle nudge to remind us to keep our hearts anchored in what truly matters. If our treasure is our family, then we owe them our undivided attention, don’t we?
Mac also touched on the guilt that comes from having to be away from home for work. It’s something a lot of us can relate to. He shared how he would sometimes go on a short retreat or drive from Atlanta to Nashville for collaborations. “I get a lot of time on the road traveling as a musician. And so if I want to see a sporting event, go to the movies or do things like that, I try to do that stuff while I’m on the road,” Mac said. “And when I’m at home, be with my family and be intentional about spending time with them.”
So how do you follow your calling without feeling like you’re sacrificing family time? In moments like these, we can lean into the Apostle Paul’s wisdom – “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT).
Our work – no matter our profession – is a form of worship.
It’s a part of our calling to bring God glory in everything we do. Mac tries to align his songwriting schedule with times when his kids are in school, making the most of the time he has. He’s found a way to bring his work and family life into a kind of harmony.
We can learn to be more intentional about family time, just like Jesus always made time for those He loved with His busy ministry schedule.
So, what can you learn from Mac’s melody of life?
- Be fully present wherever you are, especially at home with your family. It’s an act of love. Your children will remember those moments when you look into their eyes and listened to their day.
- Look at your work as an act of worship, something that you can offer to God for His glory.
- Carve out time for yourself in such a way that it doesn’t subtract from the quality time you spend with your loved ones.
Balancing family, faith and work is a song many of us are still learning to sing. But with intentionality and a lot of grace, we can find that harmony Mac talks about.
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