Your Greatest Ministry Investment

I just returned home from a weekend full of ministry and consultation.  Nothing seems to fire me up more than ministering in the local church and spending time with leaders.  My physical body was weak, but my spirit was strong.  And, when I walked in the door to see my 10 and 9 year olds, they ran me over – especially my 10 year old son.  He immediately wanted all of me, ready to play Nerf basketball in his room.  I must admit, I wasn’t quite ready for the full attention they were calling out of me.  But, I jumped in nonetheless…

With all the fun and challenging studies on who better your church can reach, there is one that can never be replaced or forgotten: your own family.  The demand to spend time in certain arenas, apply, adapt and anticipate changes and transitions, what’s left of us many times isn’t much.  We are tired and stressed in ministry.  But when I look into the eyes of my children, one thing never ceases to be constant – their need for me!  When my wife hasn’t had a meaningful conversation with me in seemingly days, my personal responsibility is to give her that undivided attention and time.  Check out these helpful suggestions:

• Carve out daily uninterrupted time for your family. (personal electronics are off-limits)
• Schedule a weekly movie or night out with the family.  (you can keep it inexpensive)
• Occasionally do house chores together.  (keep it light and enjoyable)
• Allow for impromptu monthly days off with the wife and kids, whether it be at home or away.  (surprise family times can be the best pick-me-ups)
• Take an annual vacation just with your immediate family.  (be sure to schedule this in advance and plan big on it)

I’ve learned that the more time spent with my wife and children, conversation is taught, manners are practiced and convictions are lived out.  That’s an investment that can’t be equaled!  Anything over that is a robbery at the end of the day.