Say No to Ambition

Every day society offers a skewed idea about what’s valuable. And far too often, we buy into the hype. Parents work longer and harder in a never-ending quest for bigger houses, newer cars, and the latest technology. Eventually, the stuff we own overshadows what really matters. And what really matters dwindles away.

We need ambition. But, even more, we need our ambition to be governed by larger priorities: namely our marriage and our family.

Over 150 years ago, an unnamed soldier wrote a poem that put life into focus. He said:

“I asked for strength that I might achieve; I was made weak that I might humbly obey.

“I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

“I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.”

We can’t do it all. Saying yes to one thing requires us to say no to something else. We say yes to one more client, to one more project at home, or to working just a few more hours. But every “yes” to ambition equals a “no” to our families.

As the saying goes: “Keep the main thing the main thing.” Our careers and possessions are worthwhile, but our families are priceless. If we believe that, let’s cast off our distractions and be more intentional, living every moment focused on what’s truly valuable.