The summer months often bring exciting new travel, meetings, camps, conferences, VBS, vacations, and countless miles on the road. For many families, July is filled with suitcases, services, hotels, airports, holidays and changing schedules. While these opportunities are important, we must remember that our children are making the journey with us. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” — Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Deuteronomy 6 reminds us that spiritual instruction was never intended to only occur in church services. God instructed parents to teach their children while sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up. In other words, ministering and teaching our family about the Lord should happen daily along the way.
The miles traveled, the churches visited, the conversations before and after services, and even the precious conversations and moments as you travel place to place or around the table become important opportunities to shape the hearts of your children.
Remember That Your Children Are Experiencing Ministry Too
While parents may see another meeting, another presentation, or another ministry responsibility, children often see life through a different lens. They are watching how Mom and Dad respond to ministry disappointments, schedule changes, financial pressures, and ministry opportunities.
The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy of the influence of his family in 2 Timothy 1:5: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
Our children and for some our grandchildren may not remember every church we visit, but they will remember how we lived for Christ along the way. The greatest lessons are often taught through our example.
Turn Ordinary Moments into Spiritual Moments
Deuteronomy 6 emphasizes teaching while walking by the way. Some of the greatest spiritual conversations happen outside the church building.
Long drives provide opportunities to discuss sermons, answer questions, pray together, and speak about the Lord’s faithfulness. Waiting in airports, eating meals together, or sharing testimonies after services can become meaningful teaching moments.
Spiritual growth does not always happen during scheduled family devotions alone. It often occurs during the ordinary moments that God gives us throughout the day.
As parents and ministry leaders, we should intentionally look for opportunities to point our children to God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Make Memories More Important Than Schedules
Ministry schedules can become very demanding during the summer months. It is easy to become so focused on reaching the next meeting, answering the next email, or preparing for the next service that we overlook the family God has entrusted to us.
Years from now, our children may not remember every detail of every moment on the field, or deputation, or furlough, but they will remember the laughter in the car, the answered prayers, the special stops along the journey, and the times their parents simply gave them attention.
Invest in Eternity While You Travel
Every season of ministry is temporary. The children traveling with us today will soon become adults making decisions for Christ themselves. The conversations, prayers, examples, and memories we create now may influence their lives for years to come.
This month, may we remember that our ministry is not only the church we plant, the people we reach, or the meetings we attend. Our ministry also includes the children sitting beside us in the vehicle, the spouse serving faithfully alongside us, and the home God has entrusted to our care.
A Note for the Ladies:
July often brings busy schedules, additional travel, ministry opportunities, and many responsibilities. Between caring for children, assisting in ministry, preparing meals, teaching classes, helping with special meetings, or simply serving wherever needed, it can sometimes feel as though the days pass quickly. Yet many of the memories being made during these days will have an eternal impact.
For single missionary ladies, the children you teach, the families you encourage, and the assistance you provide in the ministry often leave lasting impressions that may not be fully known this side of heaven.
This month, do not become so focused on the schedule that you miss the opportunities God places before you. The Lord uses both the visible and unseen acts of service to accomplish His work.
Book Resource:
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Excellent for helping parents understand the hearts of their children rather than simply correcting behavior. Particularly helpful for families whose children experience frequent transitions.
