#2: Quality Time
As some of you know, my wife, Jess, and I have two kids, Emery and Greyson! I’ve learned a few things through marriage and even more so with our kids that I wanted to share with you today that may help you in your daily life, but also in your preparation for Camp.
The first thing I’ve learned is that in order to have quality time with my wife (which she desires and deserves), I must carve out that time especially now that we have kids, a dog, jobs, rhythms, and routines. However, I can’t use the excuse that it was a long day at work, I’m tired, I have too much on my plate right now, etc. I must make the sacrifices and time necessary to have deep, meaningful conversations and quality time with my wife. It doesn’t just happen! To make that space, I must remove some of the noise that can be in the way (besides the obvious of rowdy children, kids not sleeping/going to bed at night, etc. My “noise” is usually technology and entertainment!) Jess should get the best of me and not my leftovers from a busy or hectic day. It is tempting and easy for me to think that because we are going about the same business (cooking meals, taking care of the kids, hosting guests in our home, etc.) that we are spending uninterrupted quality time together. The truth is, however, that in those times we are simply doing good things together, but not always engaging with one another on a deeper level. I don’t want my wife to simply be a “co-worker” as we run our house, I desire intimacy and depth in our relationship beyond the tasks in front of us.
These lessons are true as well with our relationship with Christ, particularly in the setting of doing ministry. It’s so easy to be “busy” in ministry and never make the space for deep, meaningful time with the Lord. We need to carve out specific times with Jesus in our lives and not just think "man, I need to do a quiet time."
It's hard to stay focused, motivated, and faithful when there's an absence of uninterrupted quality time with your Creator.
One thing you can do now that may help you is to consider how your days are spent. Write the details of your days down for an entire week. At the end of that week, consider the space that is in your regular rhythm of life that could be used more purposefully. Maybe you’re watching too much TV, maybe you’re online way more than you need to be. Maybe you’re sleeping in an extra hour that could be used for uninterrupted time with the Lord. Once you find the space in your schedule for uninterrupted quality time with Jesus, commit to spending time with Him and share this goal with me, CKM staff, a friend at school, or someone else that can hold you accountable.
This summer, you will be busy. You will be tired. There are going to be late nights and early mornings. There may be times where you feel overwhelmed. You will also experience some extreme FOMO (fear of missing out) when you know you need to step away and be alone. So, I challenge you to find time in the Camp schedule for you and Jesus--and protect it from interruption by ANYTHING. It also helps to have your roommate or another staff member hold you accountable and ask you about your quality time with God.
John 15:5 says "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in Me, he/she will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." Be intentional and make that time to abide in the True Vine. Your fruitfulness will flow from that relationship. Your relational intimacy will remain high and your desire to love the students will come from abiding in Him.
SOME THINGS TO PRAY FOR:
Pray and ask God to help you look forward to your time with Him.
--pause and pray--
Pray for a deeper understanding of His Word.
--pause and pray--
Pray for an undivided heart that is devoted to Him.
--pause and pray--
WEEKLY REMINDERS:
Let us know if you’re coming early to camp for Work Weekend by the end of today (Thursday, 4/15).
Submit your Weekend Off Request Form but please remember the importance of being present in Anderson and with staff during the weekends. We can’t stress this enough!
Be on the lookout tomorrow (Friday, 4/16) via GroupMe for instructions/information regarding our Staff Intro video!
Keep checking the staff site for additions to each area.
We’re pumped to see you soon!
