Reflection and action

No man has a right to lead such a life of contemplation as to forget in his own case the service due to his neighbor; nor has any man a right to be so immersed in active life as to neglect the contemplations of God (Augustine City of God p698)

This is the tension of gospel parenting, and indeed of our entire life in this world. In order to be conduits of grace to our children and neighbors, we must be steadfast in communion with God. We can afford to be lax neither in devotion, nor discipline.