A Love-Hate Relationship?

I have oftened mused over the verse Luke 14:26. I kind get the gist of it, but I still have felt as though I am missing a piece in the puzzle.
Here is the verse:

26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple."

Have you ever wondered why God say we should "hate" anyone? I have. I get the point, I think. It's something about be willing to let go of any ties to follow Christ. By why did he use the word "hate"?
I am reading a book right now called, "Idols of the Heart" by Elyse Fitzpatrick. Well, it's very convicting to say the least. Anyway, she addresses this verse and I think maybe I understand what Jesus was saying a little bit better.
Here is a quote from her book:
"Consider the difference between Eli and Abraham's relationship with God. Abraham loved his son, but he loved God more. he worshiped God and was willing to do so even if it cost him the person dearest to his heart. Yes, Abraham loved his son, but his love seemed like hatred in comparison to the love he had for God. Eli would have said that he loved God and his sons, as well. But his actions proved that he had other loves, other gods."
So, as a parent I really can feel for both of these men. God asked a great deal from both. God wanted both to be willing to sacrifice their sons for their relationship with God. Abraham showed his love for God by "hating" his son. Eli showed that his relationship with his son and his family was of more value (maybe an idol?) than his relationship with God.
So, how will this translate over into my everyday life? Not just as a parent, but in general? Am I willing to obey God's commands at any cost?
I am amazed at the timing of reading this excerpt yesterday...right before I sat down to read it my friend shared something very similar with me. She really challenged me...she doesn't know she did. We were just "chatting" about some family stuff.
It got me wondering how often I let my kids or my husband or other people interrupt my time with God. It is real easy to neglect bible reading and prayer. But my kids seem like they have immediate needs...sometimes my husband does too. It just seems like it is easy to put God on "hold" and take care of more immediate needs. What I need to realize is my time with God should be my first and most immediate priority, it is my immediate need whether I see that or not.
It's always amazing to me when I feel depressed or out of sorts...kind of grumpy or sometimes struggling to handle a trial or pressures, how often it goes back to the fact I haven't been spending time with alone with the Lord. I usually am living on "fumes" and running pertnear empty when I find myself falling apart. I also find myself lacking thankfulness.

Di