Life in The Family International

More action happening on the home front than anywhere else. For so many years I have had more "active" ministries in the Family, and I know it’s been the assumption that the busier missionaries are the ones on the field, in the far flung jungles and tribes, or out ministering in the leper colonies and prisons. That is true too, but I’ve been learning that so much important work also happens behind the scenes, where nobody sees—those who care for the children, cook meals and wash dishes. The only things that matter in the end are our passion and love for the Lord and others. And wherever He calls us to serve—whether the field seems more attractive or not—it’s just as important as the next guy’s.

Actually, I am having fun just being a "little" person again… hanging out with the children, sleeping in on Tuesdays… wracking my brain for timesavers and TV busters. And I find that the more effort I put into just being what HE wants me to be where I am (in my jogging pants running laps around a crowd of kids) the more fun I get out of it. Not that we do things for personal benefit primarily of course, but you know how there’s a difference between doing the things you like and liking the things you do? I used to say I wasn’t much of a childcare person or a teacher or a teen motivator, and anytime the question was raised asking me to take on that kind of responsibility, I’m afraid to say I shirked. But these days I’m just thrust into a situation where, by circumstance, I’ve got to just BE all those things all of a sudden, ha. By HIS Grace!!

In the Family, I’ve known so many different teachers and caregivers. Those who toiled long hours to take care of the children or keep house. And my appreciate for them grows stronger each day, realizing that they had given years and years unselfishly, tirelessly almost! And while my peers got married and raised their children, I was happy to just be "free" and "independent" and traipsing around the world. I had my share of adventure… but I never realized how essential a family unit is to anyone’s personal growth and how many more valuable lesons I could learn from being "tied down" with kids.

I guess everything just sneaks up on you eventually.

Nyx is a vounteer Missionary Member of The Family International. Her missions have taken her through South East Asia, India, East Africa and South Africa. She currently runs charity projects for terminally-ill, indigent children in The Philippines and is also a child-education consultant, youth counsellor, freelance writer for TV, radio, magazines, a voice-talent, illustrator, artist, Events Host and Music Marketer. She is the eldest of 13 siblings, and a Taurean who enjoys spicy food, open-bar nights, long baths, photographing people, and throwing festive parties. Dislikes: Whiny women, bratty children, spoiled men. More about Nyx

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 28th, 2006 at 4:03 pm and is filed under Family Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.