I FINALLY started reading Nancy Beach’s book, Gifted to Lead. This should make Judy really happy who bought me this book a few months back. The gurl even signed it! No. Not Nancy. Judy.
There aren’t a ton of revelations that scream at me in the book. It is still a wonderful read for women called to lead. But, one thing – one voice – has been gently whispering in my ear while I’ve been reading Nancy’s words.
“That’s you. Go lead.”
Over the past several months, I’ve been as careful as I know how to be in listening to those whispers. Now, the only way I know to answer is to ask Him, “What do You want me to do?” “Where do You want me to go?”
For a long time, I’ve considered my role as a mother my primary ministry. And, it is. But, that is not my “fundamental identity.” Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend write in their book, Boundaries with Kids, “Parents who do not have a life apart from their kids teach the kids that the universe revolves around them.” They continue saying, “Meet the child’s needs, then require him to meet his own while you meet yours.”
Throughout my childhood, my parents modeled this same theory. They nurtured me. But, they also gave of themselves to so many. Granted, they were in ministry. However, seeing them minister in our home, seeing them minister beyond the home – in the church, amongst the broken-hearted, in third world countries – those are things that stay with me. Those are things that clued me into the fact that the world does not revolve around me. What a gift my parents gave me.
This doesn’t mean that a parent must work outside the home to model these things. Nancy writes, “I believe when a child recognizes that Mom or Dad is crazy about them, but also has some other interests passions, and responsibilities, that child is well served….Rather than assuming Mom and Dad will always be there exclusively for them, kids understand that other people and their needs matter as well.”
Dang. That’s good stuff. And, what’s even greater is when our children begin serving along side of us. Giving WITH us. For me, I’m going to start by choosing an activity – a service – that my children can do with me. I hope that in doing so, I will give to them the gift my parents gave to me. For realz.
Are you asking God what HE wants you to do?
DustyTakle.com 