My wife was readmitted to the hospital last Friday and told she'd need to stay for 24 hours... 4 days later, she was finally released. In the midst of much prayer, joy with our new son, frustration and uncertainty about what was happening, and sleep deprivation, I had a few thoughts stick with me:
1. Family is more important than ministry
I know I always hear it and say it, but as hard as it has been to be gone for another weekend (I've missed church for a couple weeks in a row... and I'm still in Houston), I want and need to be with my wife and son. My dad always made it a priority and it impacted me. When he missed every Wednesday night as a pastor of our church to watch me play baseball or basketball, people often asked how he could justify that. His response was, "Anyone can lead a Bible study. I'm the only one who can be a father to my children." No one can take your place in your family.
2. Duplicating myself is critical
I've never had a time where I felt like I was completely bailing out last minute on weeks at a time. While we were somewhat able to prepare for one weekend, being back in the hospital and missing 3 straight weekends is enlightening. Fortunately, we have AMAZING staff and volunteers that are prepared to take it and run, without missing a beat. If function of ministry ever suffers because I am missing, then I'm not doing as good of a job as I need to training people and giving ownership.
3. Quality leadership can't be replaced
It's amazing how at peace I am knowing that quality people are leading the ministry while I'm away. I'm very particular, so that's a huge deal for me to have peace when I'm not there. Quality leadership is crucial.
4. Sleep is good
No explanation needed.
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