In The Midst of Service...

We all work very hard, in this life.

For our time. For our resources. For our families. For our lifestyles.

Many sacrifices are made along the way and many of them are disconcerting to make as parents and difficult to understand as kids. As I considered thoughts about families and friends and circumstances that we go through, it's possible the two hardest lifestyles on a family are ones where there is an element of service to country and service to the kingdom of God.

Whether serving militarily, law enforcement and fire or in ministry, the sacrifices are huge. It's not that other professions aren't sacrificial and require huge time commitments... they do and that's fine. However, roles that require service such as these, take huge tolls on families.

Their roles can be difficult to explain to kids; the time away; the responsibilities that result last minute changes in plans; often to schedules that are already split in odd ways... the unknown factor of putting life in harms way, the feelings that someone else and their circumstance is more important than the family or kids... it can be a lot to process for kids. And dicey to navigate as a parent.

Then, there's the expectations placed upon the child; to live up to standards, sometimes unknowingly established as a result of a parents service, whether to the church or the community. There's just so many ways that this is difficult to navigate, for both parents and kids. And the results are obvious. Kids that grow up in church, wanting nothing to do with church; likewise, kids that grow up in homes where there's a badge and proceed to get in trouble with the law, themselves.

Circumstances such as these, raise the importance in the need for high-quality pastors and church leaders over our youth and teens; to aid in ministering in tough circumstances to home environments such as these.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for homes involving service to the church and community. Pray for a strength and encouragement in the special challenges presented in the relationships between parents and kids. May their be an understanding and a grace over the sacrifices that are made. Pray for a bond, fortified in prayer; that God keep and protect them by His mighty hand. May God guard hearts and minds; that all involved would remain close and focused on Him. Pray wisdom for pastors as they minister; especially in these circumstances... for the risk of the unknown, for the incredible time commitment and sacrifice that is made to fulfill these crucial responsbilities... may God accomplish the miraculous.

Whether in service to the Cross
Or in service to the Flag...
For the glory of God
Protection, by the blood of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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