Sharing my children with their dad after our divorce has not always been easy. I used to feel cheated out of spending time with them. It pained me that they were not able to be involved 100% at our church.
Helping to teach their Sunday school class while they were absent and attending their dad's church made me miss them all the more. It even made me reluctant to serve in those areas because it reminded me that our family was dysfunctional.
At their dad's every other weekend and one evening a week made it tough for them to feel a regular part of the children's activities at our church. But honestly, it probably bothered me more than it bothered them. I perceived my glass as half empty.
Then something wonderful changed.
This past year, my teenage daughter was asked to join the praise dance team at her daddy's church. She has taken dance for years, but had never really used that gift for the Lord.
Admittedly, I was reluctant to allow her to "sign up" for that. It would mean driving her to practices and potentially giving up more Sundays at our own church when they performed during their services.
However, after putting my own selfishness aside, I realized that she really wanted to get plugged in. It really wasn't inconvenient because their church is even closer to our house than our own church. It would seem that I did not have a good argument.
I'm so glad I allowed her that opportunity. She has performed 4 times this year. We visited on the Sundays they danced and saw firsthand what a young, energetic, Bible teaching pastor my children hear on opposite weeks.
She is currently on a Senior High Youth beach retreat with this church where they will be leading worship at two churches, performing their routine to Live Like That, by Sidewalk Prophets.
My glass is not half empty after all. It is overflowing.
Because as I joined the kids and chaperones in prayer before they departed, this mama was reminded that we are all one in the body of Christ. How blessed my children are that they have two churches to be a part of and two church families that love them and encourage them!
The Comfort Zone:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4: (NIV)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 (NIV 1984)
Let us praise God for opportunities for our children to use their spiritual gifts, even if it means permitting them to go to the "other" church. We can also encourage, participate in service, and worship with fellow believers, even if they are a different denomination, as long as they teach Bibilical truth. No longer do I worry about which church my kids will attend which weekend, but praise God for the opportunity they have to attend a good church every weekend.
Lord, help us blended families have a clear understanding of what is in the best interest of our children. Help us to put aside our own selfish desires or turf wars, even in the area of church. May we view our children's activities and involvement with eternal eyes for Your Kingdom! Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
For His Glory,
Christy
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