“If the blind lead the blind both shall fall in the ditch.” – Jesus
If your church is like the average growing, making a difference church out there then you’re probably moving at a fast-paced speed. You’ve probably got leadership who are expecting big things from limited resources.
You know what I’m talking about. The kind that say, “Recession is an opportunity that allows us to be more creative with what we already have.”
As I have gotten back from vacation, which someone corrected me saying that I had “family time” because when you’re on “vacation” with five kids it’s not vacation, I began thinking about my health and how I can sustain what I’m doing for the long haul. You see, I feel called to ministry and have a responsibility to God to manage my time and efforts so that I can make the biggest impact possible for as long as possible.
God spoke to me and said, “It’s okay to think about yourself. It’s okay to look out for you.” It seems like a selfish thing to do. What about those who need help? What about this project or that new ministry? As I’m asking these questions airplanes came to my remembrance.
When you get on an airplane and the flight attendants starts their script about safety one of the things they mention is that YOU need to put on YOUR oxygen mask FIRST in the event the cabin loses air pressure BEFORE YOU help someone else. Why do they do this? Why not help the children, elderly or those in need first? Well, the answer is because if you’re passed out or can’t breathe then you’re no good to anyone.
If you’re not taking care of you (or leading you first), resting, keeping things in perspective and enjoying life then you will be no good to anyone and especially those you lead. This doesn’t mean be lazy. It means prioritize, understand you can’t be all things to all people, you’re spouse and children come first, you can’t fix everything, etc.
Go ahead, put on your mask first!
PJ
