When Work & Family Collide is highly recommended for anyone who struggles to have adequate time for both work and family.  Andy Stanley starts the book by describing cheating which he defines as “choosing to give up one thing in hope of gaining something else of greater value” (page 1).  His thesis is “you must choose to cheat at work rather than at home” (page 3).

The book is divided into two sections; part one portrays a picture of the unresolved conflict between work and family and part two presents a biblical strategy resolving that conflict.  He displays the myth of finding the perfect schedule, rather he points out the reality that “there’s not enough time to get everything done that you’re convinced – or others have convinced you – needs to get done” (page 14).  When you must cut back he points out that good intentions are not enough, you must take practical steps to protect your time with your family.

Using the life of Daniel from the Old Testament, he shows how you can make time with your family a priority.  He identifies three steps to maintain your priorities in the midst of a busy schedule:

1. Make up your mind.  “You’ve got to decide to quit cheating at home before you know how you’re going to pull it off, before you know how things are going to sort themselves out” (page 83).

2. Come up with a plan. Develop “an exit strategy from your current schedule – and present it to your employer” (page 83).

3. Set up a test.  Establish “a trial for the plan” (page 84).

Andy Stanley reveals how “the blessings of God are never attained by violating the principles of God” (page 109).  This book is extremely practical and will be helpful for anyone struggling with the tension of not enough time for work and family. (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review).