When Work Becomes a Substitute for Presence
Addictions
Day 2 of 21 · Sunday 3 May 2026
Scripture reading
“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
Mark 6:31, KJV
Teaching lesson
He was doing what most would call “the right thing.”
Providing. Building. Sacrificing.
Long hours. Late nights. Constant responsibility.
But one evening, she said something that stopped him in his tracks:
“I don’t need more money, I need you.”
He had no answer.
Work has a way of disguising itself as purpose. It feels justified. Necessary. Even noble.
But when work begins to replace presence, something sacred is lost.
Jesus Himself, though carrying the weight of the world, said: “Come aside… and rest a while.”
If rest was necessary for Him, how much more for us?
Your spouse doesn’t just need what you provide.They need who you are when you’re present.
There is a kind of connection that cannot be replaced by provision.It’s built in moments; simple, intentional, undistracted.
The truth is that many marriages don’t suffer from a lack of love.They suffer from a lack of time together.
Together
Your challenge
Schedule intentional time this week; protected, uninterrupted, and meaningful.
On your own
To reflect on
- Have I used work as an excuse to avoid connection?
Prayer focus
“Pray for balance, wisdom, and the discipline to prioritise your spouse alongside your responsibilities.”
With love and prayer,Sharlene
Vividly in Love offers encouragement and practical tools, not counselling. If your marriage is in a season that needs professional support, Sharlene’s counselling practice, Vivid Resolutions, works with adults and couples across the Caribbean.
This is not a crisis service. Emergency contacts vary across the Caribbean. If there is immediate danger, contact your local police or ambulance service. In Trinidad and Tobago: Police 999, Ambulance 811, or 800-COPE (2673) for a mental-health crisis.