What is important?

Even after 7 years of homeschooling, I still struggle with what is truly important. What should be the priority. I mean, on paper, it is easy to list down my priority - discipleship, character , etc. But the day to day split second decision is not as clear cut.

This just happened yesterday:

Den is supposed to do her CLP English LA worksheet. One of the assignment is to make a thank you card to your teacher. So instead of continue to work on the worksheet, she used all the allocated time to make a beautiful card for me. 

I was speechless. I don't know to scold her, for she ran out of time for school work; or praise her for the well done drawing. 

Everyday, I have to make decision like this. Should I let her play more or should I get her in so that we can  get some school work done? Should I let her read to her heart content or should I make her do her school work? Etc . 

I know, the idea is to be balanced. But honestly, that is easier say than done. Especially when you have to make the split second decision.