The Joy of Family

Usually my blogs are centered on a theological thought or a specific Biblical text, but I wanted to take a moment of your time to give you my thoughts on the family.

Everyday I come home from a long day of ministry. Though ministry is an incredible joy for me, it still takes a toll on my physically, emotionally and spiritually. So the joy that is accumulated from a long day of studying, meetings, visiting and other various details, I am able to bring that home to my family. Coming home after spending my days in these different aspects of minsitry, has been one of my greatest joys. Everyday I walk in the door and I hear my wife say to my 3 month old son, "Daddy's home!". Those are the sweetest words to my ears. Those words give me a sense of understanding of what John writes in Revelation, when he says that the prayers of the saints are like a sweet smelling incense to the Lord. I can almost smell the pleasant aroma of love in my household.

One of the greatest joys I have experienced is that marriage is one of God's best ways to sanctify us. Sanctification is the process of us being transformed to be more like Jesus. Basically, it's spiritual growth. For anyone who is married, you know what I am talking about. There is no other relationship on earth that exposes us for who we truely are like marriage. My wife knows me better than anyone, and I know her better than anyone. Though this can certainly cause some problems sometimes, those problems are what makes us grow. However, it is such a joy to know that she knows me so well.

My son, Dante, who is quickly approaching 3 months of age, has been a wonderful joy and addition to our family. I now see my wife, not only as a wife, but as a mother. Having Dante has strengthened our love and marriage. I have seen too many marriages broken because parents focus more on their children than eachother. Certainly children need the love and care of their parents, but the security of a child grows strongest in the security of the marriage between the parents. That is why my wife and I often express to eachother that our marriage will always come before our children. That kind of thinking may sound a bit harsh towards the children, but when the parents are focused on eachother first, there will be security in the family in the minds of the children.

In our house, Jesus comes first, then our marriage, then our children, then our ministries. When those things are placed in order Jesus will strengthen your marriage, Jesus and your marriage will strengthen your children, and Jesus and your family will strengthen your minstry. That is why my family is one of my greatest joys!