Back to Work...Back to Life
The generous church that gives me the opportunity to work and minister (and earn a paycheck) has a gracious policy of giving their ministers a sabbatical after five years of service. The Johnson family had the privilege of experiencing that this summer.
We studied, traveled, and learned. Jenifer and I reconnected in our marriage in some wonderful ways, remembering once again that we genuinely like one another. By seeing some other ministries up close (and stepping away from our own) we got a fresh perspective of how God has wired us to do Kingdom Work as it relates to families. We also enjoyed "returning to our first love," connecting with Christ in a simple way without the daily burden of work that can so often gets in the way.
All said, it was a wonderful summer. Except that it felt too short. Just when I finally got accustomed to doing nothing, it was time to get back to work.
So here I am.
I've been back in the saddle of work and ministry for a full week. If you are like me, those few weeks at the end of summer and just before school starts are probably my least favorite part of the year. The transition from the carefree days of summer to the busy schedule of fall is definitely an adjustment. And it's not one that I particularly care for.
As we get back to work and back to life it is, as always, my hope and prayer that the INFO for Families blog will be a place that encourages and lifts you up in your home. God has stirred within me a a renewed desire to provide help and resources for each of our readers as they do marriage and family. Obviously, the blog will serve as a place for that. We are also exploring some new ways to do that through the local church. If you are a Johnson Ferry person, I ask you to pray for us as we look to develop some clear, intentional tools to assist families as they lead and disciple their kids. If you are not, I hope you are a part of a church that is fully committed to helping you stay on task at home.
There will be more to come in the future, but this is just a quick "I'm back!" message to the masses. Check back often for future posts designed with your family in mind.
I would like to give a BIG word of thanks to Chris Trent (who blogs a little) and Jamie Worley (who blogs a lot), for keeping content coming to you through INFO this summer. They are great bloggers in their own right, and you would do well to check out what they have to say. I assure you that they will post on INFO a lot more in the future.
In the meantime, don't let life happen to you. Decide what you will believe, how you will live, and Who you will serve. Then depend daily on the God who wants to lead you in all things to do exactly that: let Him lead you. Because I know that I sure need Him.