I looked at my class schedule and we learn about fruit trees next week. I’m looking forward to it.

Tony,
I do NOT do math. I do literature and get this…next month we start botany!

Bernard,
We love homeschooling. Our kids went to a political rally today for part of their schooling. And they got up close with Chuck Norris!

This is a fine post…great to have a peek into your heart here! We homeschool as well…its neat to see three homeschooling families in one thread. Do you participate in schooling? I do math!

Les,

Congrats on the third grandbaby! Hope all goes well.

Cyle, I know there are some guys who do much more playing than they do ministry, but that’s not the temptation for me. My inclination is to work all the time, and never make time for taking joy in simple thing or spending time with my kids or just alone with the Lord, enjoying him. I am sure there are those who need a rebuke to serve more, but the post today is really not aimed at them.

I really wanted just to remind those who “work as unto the Lord” all the time that the Lord was never frenetic, never hurried, never anxiously scrambling before a deadline. He had a pacing (and in fact, still does) that gave life a beauty and grace where ministry flowed into relationships which flowed into moments which flowed into joy. I am still seeking that, and trying to find the balance.

I think about Eric Liddell, the missionary to China, who was also an Olympic runner and his words to his sister. “Anna, God made me fast! And when I run, I run for his pleasure!” I want to do all things for his pleasure and acknowledge that I can garden or play with my kids, etc. for His pleasure. He does not just take pleasure in things that look like you are on the ministry clock. And neither should I.

David,
Great quote from Havner, but then aren’t they all? And I’m impressed – I’ve never grafted fruit trees. Maybe I’ll learn that next.

Geoff,
You are right, of course. Did I tell you I went out on a boat with two of my guys a couple months back and caught a 5-pound striper? That’s a big fish for me (and getting bigger every time I tell about it.)

Bernard,
Do it! And send us some pics.

Cyle,
Dude, homeschoolers rock! But then, you knew that.

Lew,
Isn’t God’s economy grand? He makes the most of every opportunity without me striving for it. And having a life means I’m more refreshed, so I can see what He’s doing!

I agree with your comment, “there is so much real ministry that can be done through the things that we love to do.” Whenever I think about it, though, I always wonder about Peter after Jesus’ resurrection. He went back to what he had loved to do, fishing. However, after that day there is no record that he ever fished again.

I see alot of guys just get caught up in what they love to do, and they fail to do any real ministry. There really do seem to be far less who get so caught up in ministry that they fail to do anything that connects them with people, and that they loved to do.

There’s a guy in our church who’s the president of the Toledo Bend Christian Anglers. He’s fought them for two years because in order to be a member, you had to be a Christian. They finally changed the requirements. I think they need to change the name. He and I have talked about whether it would be better if he just joined one of the local bass clubs. His problem is that they always fish on Sunday, and they fish 12 times a year.

I thank you for this post. Like you, it took me a while to figure this out. Now I have acting as a hobby and ministry, play with my granchildren (two and one on the way), golf, NFL football, and watching movies with my wife.

Les

Fishing.

Seriously, Roger. There is nothing quite like spending six to 8 hours in a boat with a friend. You end up doing a lot of “counseling’ and solving lots of the problems of your world. And when I go surf fishing (which is my all-time favorite thing to do in this life), I always keep an empty chair beside me on the beach. Lots of people stop by and chat. It gives me so many opportunities to talk, share, and because I am a pastor the issue of faith always comes up.

Indeed, there is so much real ministry that can be done in and through the things that we love to do. It doesn’t have to be “scheduled” on the church calendar.

Jesus, the Master Fisherman, said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” Life to the utmost. That’s what God has given me. So I do the things that I enjoy with a great sense of joy, and God always places opportunity for ministry and relationship in my path.

Great post.