I have three amazing adult children. My oldest is the Director of Personnel at a school for children of missionaries (Third Culture Kids). My middle is involved with her local church as an AWANA staff member and children's choir director. My youngest has just accepted a position as Jr High Pastor at his church.
The fact that my three grew up in a pastor's home, and yet they are each deeply, personally involved in ministry (two of them vocationally) is astounding and incredibly satisfying. I know there are miles to go before they sleep, but the fact that at ages 29, 25 and 23 they are following Jesus and have committed significant portions of their time, money and energy in doing so, is a blessing almost beyond words.
Don't get me wrong. Their involvement doesn't automatically mean they are more "spiritual" than their peers. But it does mean that they get it. Following Jesus is not something you do simply on Sunday. Or when it's convenient. It is a life-long series of choices to intentionally invest in a relationship with God and with people.
The other thing that brings a smile to my face and a deep joy is knowing that however well or poorly I have pastored over the years, at least it wasn't so bad that my kids decided they would never want to be part of ministry. They haven't run in the other direction. They have run toward Jesus. That's not something I can put on a resume, but it is something that will bring a "well done" from God. Now if I could just figure out how we did it. I guess like most things that honor God, it is part of the mystery of God's work in me and my response to Him. I'm just glad I get to be part of it.
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