Read previous posts in this series by checking out Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, and Part Nine.
"I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with every afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the "least of these."
With a three year old and a one year old being my ministry at this time in my life, there's not a lot of opportunity for ministering outside of the home. Spending time with the lonely, the sick and the elderly can be difficult to accomplish if I'm looking through the lens of my pre-baby life. Reading our current book club book has been valuable in realigning my thinking. Whether it's a cup of afternoon tea with an elderly neighbor, a phone conversation with a friend in the hospital, or a quick chat at the mailbox, these are easy ways to witness to my children.
Simple things speak volumes to our children. Big Boy loves to help so whether it be stocking cabinets in the nursery or taking a meal to a friend, he loves to be involved. We try to take him along no matter what we're doing. So these easy ways to show him how God uses us in our community, in other lives.
One thing that's been essential to us has been to speak candidly with him. Instead of brushing him off, we welcome the questions of "Why?:" "Why are we letting Miss Jenni borrow our car?" "Why are we taking this family a meal?" "Why are we running some errands for the Smith Family?" With each conversation, we are able to open up new avenues of how God is working in our lives, how he asks us to take care of each other, how we are called to love as Christ loved.
"Father remind me to parent my whole child, parent him spritually and emotionally. Remind me that my children are watching, that the world is hurting, and that it takes some creativity to balance the two. Give me wisdom in ministering while not neglecting my family."
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1 comment:
Very inspiring.I've been going back & forth in that area myself. I recently started looking w/new eyes after reading I Dare You by Joyce Meyer. Shortly after there was an opportunity w/a prision chaplin to answer biblical questions from her female inmates. I thought how perfect. I love writing & I will still be able to put my boys first @ home!
I like that idea to always explain what your doing to your big boy and always include him. ... I'm guilty of not always doing that.
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