Some things in this world used to be really important to me; now I have new priorities.
I used to think if I wasn’t at every event it would look like I wasn’t on top of things or could get accused of showing favoritism or whatever. I just don’t care anymore. I can’t be out every night of the week, and I’m not going to be out “most” of them either. I’ve heard too many leaders say that if they could do it all over again they would sacrifice “success” and do a better job as husbands and parents. So, for the record, you can keep the success, and I’m going to be an always present father and husband. Ask my family.
This is an excerpt from a previous blog post titled Top 10 Things I Don’t Care About Anymore, Part 2
Hey Daniel!
Love this!!
Have you ever read Andy Stanley’s book, Choosing to Cheat? It’s a great, short read that describes how God was calling him to make this same kind of shift in his priorities… at the same time God was calling him to start North Point.
I think it’s a great example of how God can bring about “success” when we choose the right priorities in life!
As a minister to college students I could easily be out most nights of the week… but with a wife and four small children — whom I love dearly — I’ve chosen to rarely be out in the evenings, knowing that someday the time will be right to be on campus a bit more. But that season is not now.
Good stuff!
Thanks for the reflection, Guy. Love Andy’s book; I have given a few away over the last couple years!
Your comments resonate well because I learned and applied these lessons while working in 18-24 ministry the last several years in Texas.
Here’s a toast to being present as dads and husbands!
-DB
Hear, hear!
I learned early on that this is the only way to go, though at times my thoughts want to give into the lie that others need “my” ministry, which is not mine at all, before my family needs ministry. Thanks for the reminder.
Blessings.
Av
That’s a great reminder Abel. Thanks for taking the time to share that, buddy. Much love from NY; stay cool down in big D!