One Messy Room With No Compartments

Today I am returning e-mails, blogging, preparing a presentation, and proofing a manuscript. Of course just outside my office the dishes, the laundry, the toilets, and the errands are calling my name, desperately wanting my attention.

Most mornings I start my day with a cup of tea, look over my planner to see what I have going on for the day, and then I make my "To Do" list.  One particular task has been bumped to the next day for weeks now...cleaning my office.

I haven't decided whether I will post a picture of my office or not.  I have a lot of pride when it comes to people seeing the messy part of me.  Sometimes I fantasize about having an office that looks like one you would see in a model home but I love everything in here and well, that makes it messy.

On my bookshelves you can see the history of my life.  There are books from every stage:  children's books, Bibles I used from youth until now, Bible studies with all of my thoughts and responses, books God has asked me to write, and photo albums containing all of my memories.  I also have an entire shelf full of journals I have filled over the years.

On the walls of my office I of course have words that make me happy, certificates that make me feel like I am getting somewhere, copies of checks that help me remember, letters from friends that challenge me, pictures from kids that inspire me, and a collage of calendars and maps that keep me organized.  Leaning against the wall are projects I am currently working on.  In front of me is a long line of pictures of my grandkids because they are the joy in my life.  And lastly, in the corner of my desk is a jar with a butterfly in it.  It is a continual reminder to me that with God as our guide, we can all help change the world and the "Butterfly Effect" will be amazing.

Well, it is time to face those things that are calling my name.  For a moment I thought I would clean this room up today and clear some things out.  I think it may just have to stay the way it is, however.  It is similar to my mind...one big room full of ideas, inspirations and "want to's"...with no compartments.

When Does Ministry Start?

I communicate with special needs ministries around the country.  We have a variety of conversations on numerous topics.  We talk about why we should serve the special needs community, models of ministry, concerns in ministry, how to get the leadership and congregation on board, and the first steps to getting started.

The conversations over the last two weeks prompt me to answer the question, "When Does Ministry Start?"  I want to think it is a fairly simple question with a simple answer but I don't think it is to everyone.

I have had people share they have 10 to 20 people in their congregation with a special need but they don't have a special needs ministry.  They wonder if they should start one.  Actually, they already have a special needs ministry in the best form possible.  In some ways, this is the goal a number of large structured ministries are trying to reach.    

If there are people in your congregation, awesome!  You have a ministry!  If there are people in your congregation that have challenges, awesome!  You have people...people that you are ministering to.  If we get to the place where everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is welcomed, valued, and serving in ministry, fabulous!  You have an amazing church!

Ministry starts the moment we are welcoming people into the church.  Facilities, structure, volunteers, and even money help in ministry for sure.  But when I picture Jesus on the hillside with children gathered around Him, that is ministry in its truest form.  No buddies, no walls, no rules...just sitting at the feet of Jesus, serving and loving one another.

Now, I am also a realist.  Sometimes structure helps us to minister to more people more effectively.  We need to remember that is not when ministry starts, however.  Open the doors to the church,  open the doors to your heart, and that is when it starts.

Parenting: Looking Back

As I knelt down by my grandson's bed tonight I prayed over him, just as I pray for my other grandchildren.  I pray for them just as I did for their mommas as they were growing up.  

As the age of 60 is seeming younger and younger, I realize how much I am aging.  I can get depressed by the changes ahead but sometimes I just sit in gratitude for the lessons each one of my grey hairs represent.  Over the years I have learned a few lessons the hard way and I have certainly shed a tear or two but I remain grateful.  I am grateful for the summits I have reached, for the view at the top of the mountain, and the many people that have walked the journey with me.

I think of the miracle of the butterfly and its metamorphic change from a caterpillar.  It will have to struggle as it breaks out of the cocoon and it will have to do it on its own to be strong enough to fly.  So it is with our children and grandchildren. 

Many times over the years I have prayed and found peace in, Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Tonight I am thinking about all those years of prayers and how worth it they were.  Not only do I see the faith of many generations growing to maturity in my children but I also see the expression of love God placed on my family generations ago.

My family began participating in marches on Washington in the early 60's to fight for the rights of others.  My parents were both pastors and blessed our home with a variety of people.  My father later worked for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and my mother started a program for women that had been incarcerated so they could have a new start in life.  Social justice was part of the DNA of our family.

My oldest brother and his wife have served the homeless over the years.  My middle brother and his wife serve the homeless, the mentally ill, and the incarcerated.  My youngest brother and his wife encouraged the chronically ill. My husband and I support and encourage those affected by a special need or disability. 

Now I am seeing these genes come to fruition in my children and I couldn't be prouder.  My oldest daughter received an award tonight from the American Public Health Association for her work in passing ordinances for safe working conditions.  My younger daughter is working for Engender Health.  She is sharing her story to make a difference in the lives of young people and to empower them for their future. 

I share all of this to encourage parents.  Parenting is tough and as you kneel by your child's bed you wonder how it will all turn out.  You have a million and one decisions to make and you know you don't have all of the answers.  

A wise military man once told me, "You have to be consistent, persistent, and pray!"  I have held onto those words for 15 years now and have shared them many times.  Whether you have child that is four months old or 20 years old, keep these words in mind.  

Remember your DNA is in your children.  The lessons you have taught them are in their minds.  The faith you have shared will give them comfort and strength.  Your training will stay with them.

In addition, don't be afraid of letting your children teach you.  As culture and technology have changed, I have relied heavily on my children and they have taught me many great things.  Embrace those sweet babies, those teenagers and young adults, we have so much to learn from one another.