Family is not an obstacle...

"God does not give us any conflicting obligations. Every obligation that comes from the Lord is compatible with every other obligation.
(“God doesn’t give unfunded mandates.”)
The problem—sometimes we add to the Lord’s obligations.

(The) Past few decades there’s been the tendency to see ministry at odds with family.
The family is not an obstacle for ministry—it is a vehicle for ministry . . . but like all vehicles, it needs maintenance.
There is a “beautiful compatibility” between family and ministry. " Alex and Brett Harris co-authors of "Do Hard Things"

I love that statement: Family is not an obstacle to ministry. "Family is not an obstacle to ministry." again..."Family is not an obstacle to ministry." and again and again and again.
That was my heart on Thursday night when John told me he could not get off of work on Friday. You see, I had a plan. John was going to be off and take care of Miss Maggie, our toothless six year old. He HAD TO BE OFF! I was going for a radio interview about my book "House Me from the Wind." BE OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But the only way for him to be off was to call in sick...and somehow, that seems wrong when you are promoting a ministry that God has called you to.
John left as planned of Friday morning and I still had no idea what to do.
"God doesn't give unfunded mandates. Family is not an obstacle to ministry." UGH...

"Lord, ugh...Um, Lord, I am just not feeling it. I had a plan for this week and nothing is going the way i needed it to. I am annoyed and frustrated...but I don't want to be. I know how my crazy mind works. If I stay mad and dig in on this annoyance, that is how I will remember this day for ever. I don't want to ruin, what should be exciting, with my annoyance over my plans. I also don't want Maggie to get the message that she is in the way. Yes, the truth is my radio interview is actually in the way of Maggie's day. My plans for ministry is an interruption for her. Okay, that means Miss Maggie gets to go with Mommy to a radio station! How exciting for her! She can be a part of this! She IS a part of this! Yay God...still not feeling it. 'The joy of the Lord is my strength.' Yes it is, Lord! YOU put that on my heart!"
"And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10

By the time my friend Lisa arrived for an early cup coffee on Friday morning, I didn't even mention that Maggie was coming with me to the Sound Of Life station for the interview. She heard about it from Maggie herself. Lisa, after having worked an overnight shift, asked Maggie to spend the day with her...I was dropped like a hot potato when given the choice by Maggie herself!
Maggie said, "A day with Miss Lisa would be way more fun Mom! Have a good time!"
And so it was all decided. Not a worry in the world (except the possible abduction of Maggie by Lisa, who always claims she is only my friend because she really wants to take Maggie home with her for good!) and I was off to share what God has done for me, how "House" came to be written, and what I know He wants to bless others with...
As I drove to Lake Katrine, where the station is, I felt that still small voice in my heart: "You have proven faithful."
Now it is not a "Luke I am your father." kind of voice, you know that right? But it was there non-the-less...and I grinned as I drove North. He is crazy about me and I can prove it. Glory to God and amen.

PS the interview airs on Thursday afternoon. I will post a link for the station as soon as I remember how! LOL!