A friend of mine recently shared this video with me. Francis Chan is challenging parents to keep serving while raising children. He explains that most young adults stop serving after starting a family. It is not hard to figure out why…everything becomes more difficult with children…I mean everything! Things such as showering, going to the grocery store, and doing the dishes let alone serving outside of the home.
I hear what he is saying and our culture is too driven by comfort. Francis Chan is always good about challenging that, which I appreciate. My take away from this video is the only way for your children to fully experience God is to let them be exposed fully to the way you live out your faith. There is no acceptable excuse to “pause” any part of your life for Christ. This certainly looks different for everyone. Not everyone is called to travel the world sharing the gospel. Simply, don’t stop living out your calling for Christ as your phase of life changes.
Sometimes you wake your baby at 5 am to drop the mission team at the airport!
We lead the young adult group at our church which is certainly our calling and our passion. When I was pregnant with Timmy one of the pastors of our church had us over for dinner and encouraged us to keep serving after having our baby. He and his wife shared with us creative ways to continue doing ministry while raising a family. They obviously knew it would get more difficult after kids and as a result many people quit.
Francis Chan talks about “safety”, “protection”, and “gated communities”. I don’t know how much of it is about safety as much as it is about running low on sleep, not being able to find a sitter, and not having enough hands to cross the parking lot with a baby, toddler, and a donation for the food drive. Needless to say, I get it! 😉
I think I was the only person marching in the St. Patty’s Day parade with a stroller. I showed up late and hopped in half way through. Making it happen! lol.
As our family grows and we continue to do ministry the sacrifice necessary to keep serving has increased and it is difficult. BUT when you sacrifice for God it always leads to good because He is good. When you think you have no time, money, or energy left to give God will provide so you can continue to serve. Many times I have been stressed and worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep our ministry going, raise the boys, and keep my sanity but God always comes forth with blessings of rest, helping hands, time, and supplies.
Leading bible study while wearing Charlie. I’m sure I lost cool points with the young adults but you gotta do what you gotta do! 🙂
If you have a young family and are struggling to continue to serve like you did before kids I encourage you to just keep going. Keep showing up, keep putting Christ first, and put your faith in God to take care of all the rest. He will provide for your every need. It will be difficult and the sacrifice will be great but the blessings and eternal impact will be worth it.