Just like that, Gabe is done with his online philosophy class. I'm not sure how much longer I could have taken him being busy in the office on a Saturday or right after dinner on a weekday. And I'm aware, very aware, that he'll be at it again. Some other class will pull for his attention; but at least, for now, we can take a breather.
So what will it be like when Gabe is in school for theology, or seminary, or better yet studying for Sunday messages? As a child and adolescent, I recall my dad being shut in his office preparing for Sundays or just studying; and though we were "allowed" in the office if we needed something, I was under the impression that I was not to interrupt unless necessary.
Through a recent message, Gabe and I learned to leave the office door open... literally! To allow the children to be a part of our studies, to be under our feet and in our hair while we study whatever it is that we are studying. To allow the kids to walk in on us praying!
The pastor preaching that message talked about how some minister's children will resist Jesus because "Jesus took their daddy away". I haven't taken the time to evaluate how I felt about my dad's time as a child, but as of recently, I'm finding myself jealous over the time I see my father giving to others in our church.
I'm not angry with my dad. I'm actually proud of him! Proud to call him my dad! The time is approaching when my dad will retire from the ministry, when he will "click submit".
The time is soon approaching when my husband will "click submit" to his calling as a pastor. Wherever that may be...
And for me... My heart is hovering over the "submit" button. submission to the call... submission to a life in complete surrender to God and his ways (as uncertain as that can be). submission to being the "pastors wife" and raising pastor's kids... submission...
So what will it be like when Gabe is in school for theology, or seminary, or better yet studying for Sunday messages? As a child and adolescent, I recall my dad being shut in his office preparing for Sundays or just studying; and though we were "allowed" in the office if we needed something, I was under the impression that I was not to interrupt unless necessary.
Through a recent message, Gabe and I learned to leave the office door open... literally! To allow the children to be a part of our studies, to be under our feet and in our hair while we study whatever it is that we are studying. To allow the kids to walk in on us praying!
The pastor preaching that message talked about how some minister's children will resist Jesus because "Jesus took their daddy away". I haven't taken the time to evaluate how I felt about my dad's time as a child, but as of recently, I'm finding myself jealous over the time I see my father giving to others in our church.
I'm not angry with my dad. I'm actually proud of him! Proud to call him my dad! The time is approaching when my dad will retire from the ministry, when he will "click submit".
The time is soon approaching when my husband will "click submit" to his calling as a pastor. Wherever that may be...
And for me... My heart is hovering over the "submit" button. submission to the call... submission to a life in complete surrender to God and his ways (as uncertain as that can be). submission to being the "pastors wife" and raising pastor's kids... submission...
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