The Best Ministry is not 9-5
I remember 25 years ago when Skip Gray, (who btw is one of the best staff by far The Navigators ever had) informed me that your best ministry opportunity will never be 9-5. Skip was speaking at a Campus Outreach Christmas conference for college students in Gatlinburg, TN. Soon after when I went on staff at UCSD for ministry to students I quickly found out that was very true. Good thing I was a night person at the time. I didn’t get a lot of sleep but we had a great time and built lots of wonderful memories. During my nine years at UCSD many students came to Christ, were discipled and are laboring in the harvest today.
Little did I know that statement would one day make me a better parent. Your best ministry opportunity will not be 9-5. Last night I had a full day and was grateful that I could go to bed at 11PM. Since becoming a mother I have become more of a morning person. I slipped into bed and my son sat on the edge and talked. I told Matthew it was past his bedtime and I got up to tuck him in and pray with him. I discerned that I had a window of opportunity. My introvert son who often keeps his feelings and thoughts to himself was still in the mood to talk. We talked for at least an hour and I never once looked at the clock. Our time was more precious than gold to me. I would have continued but he looked at the clock and said he was ready to go to sleep. As I left the room I remembered the words of Skip Gray and prayed that I would see every opportunity before this window is closed forever.
Recently I heard an interview with a newly drafted NFL player on the radio. Sorry that I can’t remember his name. The player became an orphan and homeless at a young age. When he was a teenager he met a Christian family who adopted him. The interviewer asked him “What was the best thing about being adopted?” The football player paused for a moment and then said “being tucked in.” I cried upon hearing his statement and the words resonated within my heart.