What is most important in life? When Macy was born Dr. Mike Stroope (Truett Seminary professor) visited us at the hospital and told us, "Sheltons, this is your most important job in life." If you spend much time with me you will notice how often I refer to Dr. Stroope, so I tend to cling to every word coming from his mouth.
This week Macy has been coming to work with me as Stephanie is finishing up teaching. I am constatnly reminded that Macy is present...she will cry for her passy or cry to be held. Today we changed the oil in my car and got the vehicle registeration renewed. Last Friday we went to the mall becaue she needed a pair of shoes for her Uncle Dan's graduation (we got 4 pairs). Everyone at the mall looks at me with the smile that seems to say, "You're cute with your daughter." This week I am being reminded about what is most important in life. I do it not because I love the attention from middle aged women who wonder around the mall on Friday morning...I do it because I love Macy. I do it because Macy is most important. Perhaps the reason minister's children have a negative sterotype (and often live up to them) is because ministers have forgotten about what is most important.
I love to be with people, as a minister, in the joy and pain that accompany life. I spend long hours thinking up strategies about programs and outreach. However, this is not what is most important. I believe when I am loving my wife and daughter and taking care of myself that I am actually being the best minister. The most important things in life are sometimes the most overlooked and pushed aside. Why? Maybe because they are always there. Maybe because we know we can call anytime. The most important things in life are right in front of us. For me, the most important "thing" is asleep in the next room waiting to grow up.
-scott
