When I was hired on staff at my church over ten years ago, I left behind three part-time jobs to focus on the work God was calling me to at Redeemer. They were good jobs that God had called me to at certain points in my life, but it was time for me to begin working at our church full-time. I remained part-time as an adjunct instructor at our local community college in Monroe, MI, MCCC (still do!).
From the beginning of our marriage, we felt like God was calling me to work for income, and for Tristan to stay home for her work. She might not receive a W-2, but managing our home and raising and homeschooling our six children is certainly work!!! God has always provided for us. Abundantly. Income isn't everything. God's generosity is the story of our marriage, and he is creative with his generosity. But for many years I worked four part-time jobs because I was called to them, and because we operated within the wisdom of a budget, and it required income! Often, this meant leaving very early in the morning and perhaps coming home to see the kids for brief moments throughout the day, and then I would be gone till late at night. Many families have seasons like this. It was hard, but God gives us the grace we need.
After about six months working at the church, freed from three other jobs, I was driving the family and our firstborn child, Anastasia, who was about 6 or 7 years old :) said, "Daddy, it's not too different you working at the church except we don't see you as much."
That hit me hard. I was doing something wrong. The church staff and elders were not burdening me with crushing demands to work long hours. I, however, saw things that needed to be done, or needs that needed to be met, and so I filled my schedule regularly and often.
At an elders meeting, I took time to inform them about the work that I was doing. As I talked and talked, one of our elders (I won't name him) was falling asleep. He said he listened better with his eyes closed:) But our founding Pastor, Joe Atkinson, was not sleepy and he interrupted me with a sharp, gentle question: "Do you have a day off?"
I stuttered and stammered about a vague idea of "Sometimes I..." No. I didn't have a day off. Pastor Joe's question was so simple, and my answer really was not as complicated as I was making it to be. No. I did not have a day off. Anastasia's observation, and Pastor Joe's question were ways that the Holy Spirit was speaking to me that I was able to hear. I realize now that He was speaking many others ways about this (the scriptures and my wife!) but I was not listening.
Since then, Tristan and I have been intentional about a "Family Day." Sometimes we call it our "Play & Pray" as Eugene Peterson and his wife, Jan, called it. "Sabbath" is a word we sometimes use. Our family stops our work and comes together for a meal, the word, and games or adventures. In different seasons it has been different days in the week, but we contend for it. Imperfectly! With Evangeline in the hospital for 6 months in 2025, it just wasn't possible. Then, when she was finished with treatments and doing really well, we had Gabriel. Newborns are amazing AND they can disrupt everything...including Sabbaths! But our other kiddos are older and have schedules and activities that can be even more disruptive than a newborn!
However, during this last Christmas break, we locked in, and we Sabbathed hard. Our timeframe for our Family Day has been Friday evening till Saturday evening. Anastasia suggested that we make our own sushi Friday night. It was a mess, we didn't know what we were doing, but we had a blast together! We prayed a psalm together, and then talked about our Saturday morning/afternoon plans. We went to a movie together in the morning, which we hadn't done in years! We finished our afternoon with sledding--a first for Eva and Gabe! Our hearts were so full!
Jesus says in the Gospel of Mark (2:27) the "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." It is a gift of grace from our Father. My faith has had to grow to take hold of this gift. I am still growing in this area, but we are trying to get our work done by 5pm tonight (or so), so that we can pray and play together.
Do you have a day off? If you do, thank God, and enjoy! If not, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to do this. The Father loves to give good gifts to his children.
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