(I have always believed in the importance of asking the right questions.)
I am part of an on-line network of fellow music ministers who serve in churches much like where I serve. We are constantly e-mailing one another to share ideas, learn from one another, and exchange resources to better equip ourselves to serve better and longer.
This week, one of my colleagues asked this very important (and right) question:
As you look over your ministry for the past 10-15 years (or longer if you want) what (personally or professionally) have you done, instituted, dropped, re-worked, etc that has brought the most impact and progress for the effort?
I have to admit, I don't know how I would/will answer that question - I promise to work on that and blog about it at a future time, but for now, one of my good friends answered it in the following way, and it so impressed me, I had to blog about it.....
1. No plateaus – no matter what I have seen or done, there is always more to see and do.
2. Hang out with young people – my teenage kids still let me associate with their friends. I workout with college students who are stronger than me. It pushes me to do more (see #1).
3. I belong to Jesus – not my boss, my job, or even my family. Helps me keep an eternal perspective.
4. I could learn something new about God everyday, live to be 100, and still have an awful lot to learn when I get to Heaven.
5. Never meet a stranger – treat EVERYONE as being more important than yourself and they just might teach you something.
6. Don’t quit memorizing scripture – “Without faith it is impossible to please Him…” “Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ.” Kind of speaks for itself.
7. Laugh really loud and really hard everyday. Just look around, there’s always plenty of material.
8. Dance whenever possible.
