It's Worth It

I’m a dad.

So I’m in Seneca (about an hour away) sitting in a diner. We had a little breakfast, and I’m working on the sermon, and we’ll have a little lunch.

Why?

I’m a dad. It’s “Solo and Ensemble” contest for the Illinois Music Educators Association. Lauren had three things at 830 this morning, and Becca isn't on until 1. So it was either drive the hour back and forth again, or grab a bad cup of coffee and hopefully steal some internet somewhere (which I did find out in the street where I am sending this from my minivan) and get my Saturday stuff done. There is no Starbucks in Seneca – just in case you wondered.

Why do parents do these goofy things? Because we love our kids. I wouldn’t trade hearing the judges tell my daughters how beautiful they sounded for any cup of good coffee back in Chicago. I will get up early, I will pay a bunch of money, I will sit around in a diner... And I will go through the even harder things that we all go through as parents – BECAUSE I LOVE THEM.

Do you ever think about what it would be like if you hadn’t (didn’t) have kids? How much money you would have? How much time\sanity\hair you would have?

Yeah, we all do. But we know it’s worth it, don’t we? I know people who want to have them and can’t and they would trade places in a second.

It’s a privilege, and an honor.

I bring this up because we have some of the same kinds of “privileges” as member of a growing church. We may have to shuttle park, give, attend a different service, serve, or make sacrifices of some kind so that God’s children can have what they need to grow up in their spiritual lives.

I hope you know that it’s worth it. They may not thank us right away, like our kids may not see the sacrifices right now. But one day we will all know it was worth it when we share in His joy forever together.

Let me again remind you of what is going to happen during this important week.

• Day of Fasting and Concert of Prayer: Wednesday, March 5th

If you are physically able, we invite you to refrain from eating on the 5th, and to spend that time and energy in prayer. Then we will meet together that evening from 7:00 to 8:00 for an inspiring time of prayer, worship, and communion, followed by a light meal to break the fast. (Please register online or call Stella at 708-478-7477, Ext. 247 so we can plan for food and childcare.) Here is some information on fasting: Download Fasting.doc

• Family Gatherings: Week of March 3rd

We are encouraging you to get together with your family sometime during this week to pray and to determine the part that God wants you to play in The Great Investment. There is an outline to help you during this time at the back of the Prayer & Family Guide..you can pick one up this weekend or download a copy. (Prayer & Family Gathering Guide)

• Commitment Weekend: March 8th-9th

Following the Concert of Prayer, we are asking you to decide what commitment you and God can make together; not just what you think you can do! You’ll be making a pledge that God has three years to fulfill through you, over and above your regular tithes and offerings. Then on Commitment Weekend, we will all bring our completed commitment cards and celebrate together! (Commitment cards have been sent in the mail, and are also available at Parkview.)

• “First Fruits” Offering: Begins March 15th-16th

“First Fruits” is a concept from the Bible about bringing the best to God…up front. If you have cash or assets as part of your pledge that you can give up front, please use the Great Investment Offering Envelope and turn it in starting March 15th. Let’s see what we can all do to get the project started!

From the Seneca Family Restaurant, and my minivan,

Tim

Comments

[Denise Grein]

Tim,
I have to say, I was very touched at todays service (Sunday). Besides you and Denise giving up your Harley the service really meant alot to me. After standing up when you asked whoever was here in 1997 to stand up and we (Steve and I) were of the 8 people that stood, I knew that we were part of something really special and of great importance. While picking up my kids from the kids programs at numerous ends of the building, I was approached by 4 different people (2 I knew and 2 I did not) thanking me for sacrificing so that they could be there today. They noticed little ol me in the worship service when I stood and took the time to personally thank me. It was all i could do to walk out of the building without breaking into a full blown sob session! Honestly, I could not make eye contact with anyone until I got outside for fear that I would start blubbering. Parkview has changed my life for the better in many ways and in turn will change the lives of my kids and anyone that I can touch thru Parkview. So - THANK YOU VERY MUCH for all you and Parkview do for me and my family and for everyone else that has come to know Jesus Christ thru Parkview. I only wish there was a way I could do more!

[Debbie H.]

I could never serve enough to give back to Parkview what I've received from God through Parkview. I love to serve our Awesome God and I love to serve at Parkview.... There's not enough that I could ever do to pay back what's been given to me.

[Debbie H.]

I also want to add to my last comment about your Fasting Document. It was a great help in understanding fasting... This will be my first time fasting. Now I better understand what fasting is and why we do it.

Thanks again....