Saturday, October 04, 2008

family in ministry


When Dave became a Pastor, we became a family in ministry. And as Mom in this family, one of the most challenging goals I strive for is to make and keep our home a refuge. That means I'm careful how I talk about church, how I react to Dave's long hours (how else is he to work with the volunteers who come in after their own long day's work?), and how much expectation I put on these awesome children of mine.

Well last Thursday the kids really wowed me! It was one of those days when the "shoulds" dramatically outweighed the "want to's." In addition to the every-day life things we needed to do, Dave was working late at worship rehearsal, we had a friend to go see in the hospital, and then a missionary from Africa to visit who would only be available that very night to share...it was a lot to ask of little kids who had already done great at their own job (school).

So what "wowed" me? After we visited our friend in the hospital we ran into a family waiting for their Dad to get out of surgery. We all recognized each other as they used to attend our church. As we were leaving I offered to pray with them and I was so glad they accepted. As we circled around and held hands to pray, my children stepped up and joined hands with them also, and we all prayed together.

When we got into the van I thanked the kids for their patience, and for the care they showed the family we ran into in the waiting room. "No need to thank us Mom," McKenzie replied, "It's what we do!"

It's an honor to be a family in ministry.

2 comments:

Joel David said...

Isn't that precious! I am a pastor and missionary, and I know how grateful I am for a family in ministry who says with me "It's what we do!" Do tell your kids a pastor/missionary from India was so encouraged by this story about them! God bless!

jenzai said...

I let them know, thank you!