by Kimba Campbell
It was a typical Tuesday morning, and I had already been up since 5:00 a.m. It was my only time alone before the craziness started every day. I squeezed in a quick workout at home and sat with my Bible to savor the quiet. I remember many days reading about 2 verses in my Bible before I heard the tiny footsteps upstairs above me. I would say a quick prayer, and I knew the morning was off and running! Any mom out there knows the drill…breakfast for kids as you try to grab at least a few bites yourself, maybe try to load the dishwasher if there is time, try to squeeze in a quick shower while the kids are busy, etc. Then the never-ending packing of bags for preschool and school. Diapers, snacks, lunch, nap mat—the list goes on and on. I get the kids ready and then remember I forgot to pack myself a lunch as well. My oldest then reminds me that he needs a poster board for school today. The day is spinning as I am running around like my hair is on fire and probably yelled at my kids unintentionally. We managed to get out of the house just in time to drop my oldest at his elementary school. We drove about 15 minutes away to our church where I dropped off my other 2 kids at preschool. I gave a quick hug and kiss while my 2 year old was clinging to my leg crying. He cried every time I would drop him off at preschool at church even though he was at church so often. Insert “Mom Guilt!” Every mom knows what that means and feels like. I would then sprint to my office giving a quick “Hello” to other moms dropping off their kids. I would grab my laptop and notebook and off I went to a ministers’ meeting. As I sat down at the table in our conference room, I just wanted to cry. I loved my job, but I was worn out, exhausted and to be honest I was completely burned out. I had lost my focus on my “why” and just wanted to run away to the beach alone! The balance of mommyhood and ministry is overwhelming!
I managed to make it through the ministers’ meeting without crying as I was surrounded by men on staff. I didn’t want to break down and cry right then. The meeting ended, and then I sat down at my office desk. Although I had sat at this desk many times, God prompted me to look around my office. I saw a framed picture filled with tiny painted fingerprints of kids in my previous church and the child’s names written under each fingerprint. I then saw a picture my son had drawn of our family going to church using popsicle sticks for our bodies. I then looked at my bookshelf and saw my favorite cross hanging on the wall with a note of encouragement from one of my volunteers. God spoke to me right in that moment and reminded me of the calling He placed on my heart many years before that.
I have had many days in ministry since this day that I just wanted to quit! The struggle of balancing everything is overwhelming and exhausting. But…God is there. He gently lifts me up and fills me with His truth. I want to encourage you today. On days when you are struggling and just want to throw in the towel, I want to encourage you with a few truths God has given me.
Remain In Him
John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
During difficult days of ministry, we are called to cling to the One who created and called us. We must remember that He is the vine, and we can do nothing without Him. I think God allows these difficult days to remind us that we need to stay connected with Him.
Devote to Prayer
Colossians 4:2-4, “Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should.
On days when I just wanted to quit, days that my attitude was nosediving south, were the days that I had neglected to pray. We must devote ourselves to prayer daily and continually.
Don’t Do It Alone
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
God reminds us that we are not created to live alone. God has given us each other. Surround yourself with people who can encourage and pray for you when the days are tough. Ask for help. Asking for help does not show weakness, it shows wisdom.
Remember, What You Do Matters
Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
We have the amazing opportunity to impact kids’ lives for eternity! Spend some time today praying, asking God to give you wisdom to lead, strength to keep going, and the will to give your all for His glory. Remember what we do every day really does matter!!
Kimba Campbell serves as the Lifeway Kids Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life. Before coming to Lifeway, she served on church staff for over 18 years in Texas, Georgia, California and Tennessee. Kimba is a Texas Aggie (Gig \’Em Aggies!) and also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Paul, stay busy with their three boys.
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