Ministry/Life Balance

This video resonated with me in a deep way. I have been at my current job for the last three years and one of the things that I learned how to adequately apply is work/life balance. Previously, I would be so concerned with getting the work done, but it never was and I found myself tired and always giving my family the meager fumes I had left. My first priority after God was to my family and they were getting the scraps. I Timothy 5:8 says But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. This verse shares the importance of prioritizing family. In the video, Mr. Rienow made a profound statement of what God allowed him to see. He said He was more focused on his spiritual opportunities vs spiritual responsibilities. I also resonated with how Mrs. Rienow came to the conclusion that spiritual growth was the responsibility of both parents. I have tried to remember this as my daughter is getting older. Although my husband may be the spiritual leader, I still have a responsibility to guide her in the ways of the Lord and I have to make fellowship with other believers a priority for her spiritual growth. They said we must Pastor our own family first. I want my household to embark on the scriptures of Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Kristy, I understand totally how you can make time for the family, but the time you give them is fumes. Sometimes I can be so busy with full time work, part time work, ministry and other thing that I'm just work out. However, Holy Spirit had to tell me to take specific breaks to spend with my family. Holy Spirit has also reminded me to be intentional with my attention; to get off my phone, listen, pay attention and be present with them. I thank God for Holy Spirit! The scripture says in John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Holy Spirit will always tell you what you need to do regarding life, because God is concerned about our lives. In order to fulfill His purpose, we must adhere to Holy Spirit and correct our behavior so that we don't become a stumbling block to others.

Kristy I agree that it is the responsibility of both parents to provide spiritual growth to children. In Proverbs 22:6 it says, train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it and this is not limited to just one parent. Yes work/life balance is real and critical ESPECIALLY within ministry because it's so easy to say I'm doing this for God but the Word says family is your very first ministry. In my first marriage my ex-husband wasn't in ministry but he was doing community work often late at night on school nights. Me and the kids would be with him to show support and I would make sure to pack extra food for them to eat. Truth be told we were tired and exhausted, it did not add up to quality time at all but in fact manifested those feelings in other areas. My current husband and I are VERY intentional in spending time together, praying together and listening to one another.