I am learning a lot these days. Life outside of full-time paid ministry has not been easy. Over the past year we added a fourth child and entered the world of Construction. Our family has been in a very different season.
In the midst of this season, God has been faithful. God is using me and our family for His glory, but very different ways. Our time commitment to our Church and Community has been very different. After a long days work I get home and my wife needs a break. Because of my experience, I’ve realized that some of the expectations that I place on others, especially in my faith community, is unrealistic. Sharing faith and life is not easy. People go through different seasons where commitment levels vary. Our commitment level to our church and community has not been as high as it has been in the past, but God has still used us in both our church and community.
As I say this, God has been challenging me to think beyond this season. Our kids are getting older and we are starting to adjust to my new job and its commitments. My wife and I are closer than ever. My appreciation for all that she does has increased. My kids are becoming more involved in the community as they develop friendships and participate in activities. Naturally, our community involvement is increasing.
So what specifically is God challenging me with? Although we have different seasons, I need to have a balanced pursuit of God. Because of my calling and spiritual gifts, there are certain things that I need to be doing to BE healthy. For the past 5 years I have been discovering more and more about myself. The Kavanna House and their Spiritual Practices class heightened my understanding of this. During the Spiritual Practices classes we developed a Rule of Life, which I am still learning to apply today. This Rule of Life, is the Balanced Pursuit of God that I am desiring. I am still not sure what it looks like, and I believe it will shift a bit with different seasons, but this is the way I desire to live my life. This Diagram depicts my Rule of Life and a Balanced Pursuit of God.
