Most days you can find me at home working in my office. When I want privacy, I close my door. This let family members know not to disturb me unless someone is bleeding.
One day, the door to my office was barely closed. Through the crack in my door, I noticed a shadow passing back and forth. At first, I ignored it and continued to work typing away on my laptop. Suddenly, I felt something strange as if someone was watching me. Looking up, I saw two eyeballs staring back at me from behind the crack in the door. I called out, “Hello?”
Instantly, the door swung open and my daughter walked in. Time passes quickly when I’m at work. I had no idea it was late afternoon and the kids were home.
“Are you still working?” My daughter inquired?
“I’m just finishing up.” I replied while closing up shop.
I could tell she wanted to talk. Sometimes I can get so into work that I forget my daughter is waiting to tell me about her day or about some boy she just met.
Balancing life, ministry, and family is challenging. Sometimes I feel as if I live in a three-ring circus. My desire is to do it all well. That doesn’t always happen. In fact, it’s almost impossible to 100% of myself to family, ministry and everyday life’s coming and goings. Some area of my life is going to take a hit, and I never want it to be my family. They should never feel that my work is more important than they are.
I’m not talking about my relationship with God, but the busy work that comes along with raising a family and working.
That’s tough because there are demands. People count on me in each arena of life. Sometimes I feel guilty when I can’t return that call or email because my child has a football game or some other after school activity.
The thing is we only have our children for a short, and I mean short, period of time. Once they’re gone, you can’t get that time back. To be honest my heart is to be with my children more than anything. And I believe that’s a God-given desire. Still, I can feel guilty putting my family or personal life over ministry.
Earlier this year, feelings of guilt almost caused me to say “yes” when I needed to say “no.” It’s my son’s senior year. He plays football and I LOVE football. Watching my son play fills me with great joy. In the past years, I’ve missed a few games because of fall speaking events. Knowing that this year would be his last year to play high school football, I struggled with accepting engagements or not.
Events were coming in and I knew these were opportunities to share Jesus. But, I didn’t want to miss a single game. My heart was torn.
After much prayer and counsel from godly friends, I chose not to accept any fall events so that I could be present for my son’s last football season. As soon, as I made that decision, I knew saying “no” to ministry for a season turned out to be my “best yes.” As important as my work is, my children are the most important ministry God has given me. They are, my first ministry. It took saying “no” to something good—important even—to realize I was right where I needed to be.
It was awkward saying “no” to those events, but doing so allowed me to say, “yes” to my son. And I don’t even feel guilty.
If you’re looking for your #bestyes, there is still time to join our online bible study. The Best Yes, By Lysa Terkeurst has just begun, but it’s not too late to join.
Today, I’m giving away a copy of The Best Yes!
Enter to win by leaving “I love God’s Word” in the comment section below. Good luck!!
Also, in October I’ve asked several folks to guest post about their newest projects. Along with the post, I’ll be giving away free stuff! Be sure and stop by!