If you read the title of this post and thought, “I can’t relate to this one.” -Obviously, you don’t have kids. (you should stay tuned, you might have kids one day or know someone who does that you could encourage.)
If you read it and thought, “No Biggie.” -You may have one (or more) amazingly patient and easy-going kid(s). Or may be Superwoman.
If you read it with a tone of exhaustion and confusion… -You are probably in the thick of kids, any age, and being pulled at both ends, trying to juggle family and ministry, and all the other life that happens in between.
No question about it, or doubt. IT IS HARD TO RAISE A FAMILY IN MINISTRY.
When we do our conferences and talks, this topic more than any other seems to be addressed. We spend a big bulk of our time discussing the ups and downs and ins and outs of family and ministry. Its difficult to nail down, so much depends on your own family dynamics (does your husband want or need you around), the church you are at (is it a 2 fer 1), the age of your kids, the number of kids, the behavior of your kids (when you are around with your kids, are you a 3 ring circus coming to town?).
But I ALWAYS LOVE to generate ideas and ways for you and the kids to be invloved in the ministry that are practical and helpful.
This is a question that someone asked in a post:
“How do I get involved with my husband when I have kids?”
For me personally, With the age of my kids (2, 4, 6) it is still too much for me to be at church all of the time and we are totally a 3 ring circus when we end up in the High school services. My son who is 6 feels frustrated seeing dad “play with other kids” and doesn’t like going to events so much anymore. He has felt like that for the past year. It is way more important for me to take care of the needs of my own kids, so I don’t get a lot of “face time” in high school ministry.
I do what I can, when I can. I know a handful of high school girls, because they babysit for me
and/or they can come to my house and hang out. I don’t lead them in a small group however. We just hang out. I also am able to host volunteers at my home once a week for an “open invitation” spaghetti night. We just put it back on the calendar after a 6 month break because it became too much for the kiddos and bedtime and school, etc.
I do REALLY miss the time of ministry Jeff and I had before kids. I love serving right along side of him, knowing his every move in the ministry. I loved planning with him and going to camps with him, having my own group of girls to mentor. I do miss “the good ‘ol days”. So now I have to get creative to get involved.
What are your circumstances and ways you are involved??