So a little bit over a week ago I got to spend four days in Colorado for the national Skiers and Snowboarders for Christ Conference, otherwise known as SFC. What an incredibly challenging, convicting, encouraging and beautiful week. I had the opportunity to hear some unbelievable speakers including Brian Sumner bring the Word of God passionately. I had the chance to meet with 180 other believers from around the globe who all have the same heart to share Jesus name on the slopes. I got to meet with 11 others from the midatlantic area who my wife and I have the privilege to lead and disciple. Such a blessing this group truly is and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this season.
It truly was a week I will never forget as I came home a changed man.
Yet here is what I want to share with you today. I was coming home last Sunday night, exhausted from over 17 hours of traveling including black ice, slow traffic, and then running through the airport to catch my next flight. Needless to say I was looking forward to sleep in my own bed. The crazy thing happened though as I got to the door. That exhaustion feeling seemed to dissipate as Eli came running, “daddy’s home, daddy’s home!” As I picked him up, gave Lindsey a kiss, a reality struck me loud and clear. My family is my first ministry! Even though when I went to pick Silas up he screamed like crazy, I know that these 3 are the one’s that God has placed in my life. I want to live a life that shows that. I want my boys to know what it means to have a dad who loves and serves Jesus first and is an example. I want my wife to know that she is a priority and that I am here to lead her. Above all else they have to be first in my life next to my love for Christ.
If a man cannot be a good leader in his own home, how can he lead the church?
-1 Timothy 3:5
Then Monday morning came around. The list of things I needed to catch up on seemed absurd. How was I ever going to get everything done? Work, ministry, renovations, you name it. Yet in the midst of all of what seemed like chaos, Eli and Silas climbed up in my arms and just wanted held. Again, it was that tapping on my heart from God. “Your family needs to be your priority, embrace this moment.” As I sat and held them for even just a few moments it occurred to me, thinking how God must feel as our Heavenly Father just wanting to spend time with us. To just hold us. To just embrace the moment. When was the last time you just took a few moments to just be held by God, spending time with Him. Maybe as you are reading this, you yourself are being convicted. Right now, maybe take a few deep breaths and just embrace the moment with Him. Now also maybe it is time for you to take some time for your kids and family. Will you really think about this and see where God is leading and speaking to you?
