Matot - Family or Flocks

In Parashat Mattot, the men of  Gad and Reuven request the eastern side of Jordan as an inheritance. Their request troubles Moshe, and though it is granted (with some modifications), it should trouble us as well. What are our priorities, and what were theirs? They were so consumed by thoughts of their flocks and riches, and thought they could influence their children even without seeing them often - by telling great stories and building a great altar. It didn't happen as they imagined, though, and their children became distant from the other Israelites. We, too, must ensure that we have our priorities straight, and that we put our family at the forefront of our minds.