Yes, I Went to the Pool and SAW!
Charity was going out with two of the spiritual giants in the congregation Tuesday morning. These two ladies are some of the most spiritual and uplifting women in the congregation. They drank coffee and was filled with the Spirit. During this morning, I took the kids to the local pool. It is at the gym which I attend. And guess what I saw?
First of all, I saw a dad that felt like he should be in the office doing some work for the Lord. He had to write sermons, he had to focus on the spiritual, he had to encourage people, and he had to be busy in the ministry. Someone might think he was taking it easy. Someone might think that he was taking some time off.
Second of all, I saw a dad enjoying his time with his kids. He was in the pool, laughing with his little girl and boy. His kids were hanging off of him. His boy was a big rhino. His little girl was a mermaid. He was a father.
Third of all, I saw a father and a husband see this as an inconvenience at the beginning but realized this was the best use of his time. He still got his sermon done, he still had people over for supper that night, and he did not work 14 hours again in the name of ministry. He allowed his wife to be uplifted and encouraged by godly women. He connected with his kids.
Finally I saw a little boy when asked what was the best part in going to the pool state “daddy was there.” I saw a little girl while laying down with her at night rise up and ask “daddy, can you take us to the pool every Tuesday morning?” Then I saw a dad that was broken in heart. He realized what true ministry is.
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About The Author
Have you ever had a day like this?
Wendell Winkler used to say that there are 3 parts to every day, Morning, Afternoon and Night. As a *general* rule of thumb, a gospel preacher should try to work only two of those three, of course making allowances for occasional crises, etc. So, if you’re having people over for supper at night, take the morning or afternoon off and spend that time with your family. Wendell was an exceedingly wise man.
You’re right about true ministry. “The light that shines brightest, shines brightest at home.” Thanks for the reminder.
John
That’s awsome.
John, Wendell was a great man. He preached my favorite sermon of all time. I wish I could hear it again. Also, love the quote.
Wasn’t sure how literal you were on twitter when you said you “took the kids to the pool.” Guess this spells out you were being literal
Good thoughts. Hope to remember things like this if/when we begin having children.
Geat post Marthew! People may disagree with me on this however, I believe that a ministers first priority is to his family. Shame on those who make the minister feel guilty for leading his family to heaven. If I face God in judgement having brought before him only myself and my family I will consider my ministry a success.
Nice talking to you today!
What shall it profit a man if he wins the whole world yet loses his family?
Matthew,
Your family demands your time now. We have six children, all under 12, and they need us now. Not 10 years from now – now! The Wendell Winkler quote has been verified times over, and is true. I used to think the quotes about bygone preachers starting at 4 was crazy. Now that I have read some of their biographies, and am in ministry with a family, I understand why. There is no other way to put in 9-12 hours/day and give to your family, too. Some of these men’s children have written about how their fathers carved out hours and days and Saturdays for them on a regular basis, and how special it made them feel. You can’t make a better investment of your time. Go to the pool. Every Tuesday if you have to (Eph. 6:1-4). And good for your wife, too. She is a member who needs as much spiritual support as anyone else, if not more so.