I'll admit I have been just like that (lately).
I recently left a church where I was children's pastor, overseeing ministries that served 100+ kids. It was something that I educated myself on, prayed about and grew more passionate about as time went on. I love the kids I worked with and couldn't speak of them without becoming emotional (even now). I had a burning heart that wanted to shelter them from everything evil and do as much as I could to instill godly values.
I (after much intentional thought) began to see each of these kids as God sees them which is way deeper than the exterior that we naturally notice. My team of volunteers and I trained ourselves to see the kingdom potential in each and every child we ministered to, from infants to pre-teens. Sometimes we became tired and frustrated because more and more we found that we were carrying the load and few wanted to be a part of it. Thankfully we were able to keep our God-given mission and vision before us working to repel bitterness from setting in.
Before long, it was time for me to move on and to be perfectly honest (why do I always have to be so honest?)
I was looking forward to the break and to 'do' other things in ministry. I was tired. When I arrived at my new church I was pleased that someone else was looking after children's ministries. After all, I was co-pastor and wanted to be with the adults sharing with them, worshipping with them and bonding with them. I felt I needed to be there. I didn't want to miss out on anything and I especially didn't want to feel a dis-connect. Plus, I put so much energy into my own kids all week long I felt I needed a break from kids (mine and everyone else's) on Sundays.
Sound familiar?
This way of thinking is sooooo wrong. So self-absorbed. I am ashamed, after all, I know better.
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