A long time ago, I was asked about my life choices, leaving the professional workforce, moving on from a pastoral ministry, moving on from a missionary church planting ministry, then returning home to help care for my Dad. I am a middle-aged man, in good health with robust vitality, and whether from a spiritual or worldly perspective, I am still in what most people consider prime working or ministry years. So, at my age, with my education, background, experience, the question directed to me went something like this: "at your age, how can you justify not having a job or doing anything with your life?"
As tough or accusatory as that question was to hear, I learned long ago never to automatically dismiss questions or criticisms no matter how they make me feel. We can always learn something, even from the most ridiculous or unjust comments, if we will lay aside our egos to listen, then ask "Lord, what are You saying to me?"
So in this season of life, what should this middle-aged man have been doing other than caring for his Dad and shepherding a church with just 2 members, Dad and me?
Work a professional job? Earn alot of money? Build my retirement nest egg? Some form of charity work? Pastor a church? Launch a new ministry? Travel the world as a missionary?
What could I have done that would have more soul-satisfying? My next article will answer the question.
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