I’ll be the first to admit that I probably work way too much. Between my work and all the extra that I do (like writing blog posts or networking), it’s a pretty heavy load. I learned something pretty interesting a little while back. To me, all the extra stuff isn’t work. So I’ll finish up whatever work I’m doing for church and then write a couple of blog posts. Although I don’t consider it work, my family does. In the end, it’s time away from them.

Knowing that I have workaholic tendencies, I’ve worked pretty hard to put in in practices where I prioritize my family. I have schedules, systems and accountability that help me be a better husband and dad. Although I don’t always get it right, I do know that I’m doing a lot better than I was a few years ago. My family has noticed. It has helped reading books like Mad Church Disease and Choosing to Cheat (which I still haven’t finished reading yet). The biggest help in my life was the accountability. I have a group of guys who ask me how I did with this every week and together we discuss ideas how we can better do this. I love that.

Last week I came across this article. It was written by the Bill Shuler, campus pastor at ORU when I was a student there. Bill was celebrating 25 years in ministry and wrote this article about the ten things he’s learned in the past 25 years. It’s a significant list and would do you good to read.

However, item number nine spoke to me in a profound way. It’s a powerful illustration that I’ve never seen in that light before.

When Jesus paused while dying on the cross to make certain his mother was cared for, he showed how to prioritize family amidst ministry.

Yes, even Jesus gave us an example for putting our family first amidst the overwhelming nature of ministry.