Comments on: The Best Of You

By: matt bortmess

matt bortmess — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:43:46 +0000

this question got me too… caused our staff team to have some good conversation afterwards too.

I think this goes hand in hand with the Sabbath day Rob Bell talked about as well — not looking at email and turning off the cell phone. How many times have I done that on my day off when I’m spending the day with my wife and kids.

By: Pete Wilson

Pete Wilson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:44:47 +0000

@Pete A., very cool! Sounds like a great idea.

By: Pete A.

Pete A. — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:40:44 +0000

My instinctive first answer is “yes.” Then my second is to ask “is it?” And that’s a question that I do need to ask – daily.

I do have one “success story” to share. Years ago, I took a job at an Air Force base on California’s Central Coast, near Santa Maria. The job demanded consistent 60-hour weeks, always in the form of five 12-hour days. In no time at all I found there were two problems. The schedule was quickly wearing me down physically. And most mornings I left before my family was up, and got home after they were in bed.

My wife and I both realized – and agreed – we had to do something. So we decided to set aside a few hours each weekend to just go for walks in the country around town. It wasn’t a big thing, but it was one of the best decisions we ever made. We got family time. I felt better. We visited the library to learn what we were seeing. It all enriched our time. It relaxed us. It bonded us. And it led to family activities that we still enjoy, together, now – many years after we started. Not big – not hard – not costly – but the benefits were permanent. And very good.

By: Holly Myers

Holly Myers — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:59:33 +0000

I have been with my honey since high school. (yes high school sweethearts) We have been married for 13 of the 17 years. I find myself at times not giving my best to both him and also our girls (12yrs/7yrs). I have learned over the years that its a process of saying OK I can't but with YOU I can. I am learning that its ok to have a sink full of dishes or an email that can wait in order to be what I need to be for my family:) thanks for great post and for the conviction AGAIN! ha! .-= Holly Myers´s last blog ..I want Hulk strength:) =-.

By: Pete Wilson

Pete Wilson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:18:02 +0000

@Shari, I’m so sorry to hear your story. I’ve heard it from so many people whose parents were in ministry.

Your story compels me to work hard not to allow it to happen to children. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Pete Wilson´s last blog ..The Best Of You =-.

By: Shari

Shari — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:34:23 +0000

Pete…You have precious treasures in your three boys and you cannot recapture these formative years. My dad was a pastor married to his pulpit. The consequences of that reality have been far reaching to all five of the kids in my family. There is will always be more ministry, more needs, and more vision than we have the capacity of fill. A wise mentor once told me “you are only indispensable until you say no.” I remind myself of that often when I think I must or should take on a commitment. My boys are 15 and 13 and I have fought hard for them to know they are my most important ministry. My oldest texted me on the way home from a cross country meet tonight to share something God spoke to him on the bus and then said he was so grateful we had led him to understand and hear the voice of the Lord. No amount of building a vital ministry or impacting the lives of others could ever substitute for experiences like that. Cherish every second you have with your boys – it passes in the blink of an eye. Thanks for the important reminder.

By: Des

Des — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:25:15 +0000

Kids and spouse weren’t getting my best 10 years ago, so I quit my job and moved to a different state so I could stay at home and not be on the road every night. One of the smartest things I’ve ever done.

By: Aaron B. Reddin

Aaron B. Reddin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:36:39 +0000

Wow. As a newlywed (2 months) and being young in full-time ministry (2 years), this one hits right where I am.

Teaching yourself how to be a man is tough. Teaching yourself how to be a husband is tough.
Teaching yourself how to do ministry is tough.

Teaching yourself how to balance all 3 of those is much, much tougher.

All you seasoned pastors out there, don’t ever forget that we young’uns are watching you guys to try and figure this stuff out. We need you to get this right, and then teach us how to do the same.

No pressure
.-= Aaron B. Reddin´s last blog ..Is it a sin if I round-house kick this guy in the head??? =-.

By: Catalyst Day One – Rob Bell « Unfolding Neurons

Catalyst Day One – Rob Bell « Unfolding Neurons — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:03:09 +0000

[...] Pete Wilson, “The Best Of You“ [...]

By: mike mikovich

mike mikovich — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:22:43 +0000

I dont have a family but it is a good question, I think it is all about balance. I am speaking from a single's man point of view but whatever I do in my life, I know I need balance just like everyone .-= mike mikovich´s last blog ..Why do people try to bring you down =-.