This week my kids tagged along on my favorite youth group trip of the year, we just call it "Michigan’s Adventure." Actually, it’s a camping trip where we spend one day at a small amusement park and one day canoing in rural Michigan.
Kristen and I spent all day Monday at the park hanging out with our kids. What was so fun is the expression on Paul’s face as he experienced his first roller coasters. He went on all the rides they would let him on and just squealed with joy as they twisted, turned, dropped, and spun. When we got off the big swing thing I asked Paul about it and he said, "This is my favorite, I felt my butt go in the air." It was then we knew we had created a monster! Later, I took Megan on the kids roller coaster called "Zack’s Zoomer." As soon as we were done we decided to try it with Paul… and he loved it! In fact, he made us get right back on it and do it again.
Being a youth pastor is unlike a lot of gigs out there in that my "work" needs to see my family. It may seem like a cheesy excuse to bring my kids, but it is clear that it is healthy for my kids to be around my work. I don’t do it often but this is one trip they get to come on.
Having them along for the ride (and other events where we invite the whole family) is helping me see the importance of this thing called "family ministry" and it’s relationship to a healthy youth ministry.
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