Although I'd like to think that my husband and I share in all aspects of ministry, really it is him who does the majority of 'church work' and I've slowly developed my own ministries of community outreach. It's not easy to do this - there are a lot of days when I don't *want* to wash my hair, put on a clean sweater and go outside. When it's cold and early, or when it's late in the afternoon and I'm tired, or during pregnancy. I sometimes feel bad that I leave David at home with three grouchy children, or sometimes sick ones. But we've purposed to make this a priority; I write it in on our schedule and in my own planner so there isn't the option to skip.
So here's what I do - I attend a United church women's coffee hour, and I go to a stitching group. I think of these as 'non-negotiable ministry opportunities', and my goal is to talk to people, to be seen as a member of the community and to fellowship. I want the women I meet to recognize me and to know that I am not unapproachable.
David is so supportive of these opportunities and recognizes that they are my way of serving in this season of life. I can't do evening activities with three small children and I can't travel far or hold a job or volunteer, but I can meet these women where they are and be there for them.
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