My family is in the midst of transition – all caused by the birth of a baby. My wife, Jean, and I work out how to manage the care of a newborn while maintaining the nurturing care of the 5 other children in our household. My children also are transitioning as Mom and Dad tend to the needs of an infant who cannot take care of himself.
Because the children range in age from 1 week to 18 years they reflect varying maturity levels and need levels. My response to each of them is based upon their ability to understand the changes taking place as well as their ability to take care of themselves. The 18 month-old craves attention and has begun to cling to mommy more than before Justice’s birth. The older girls coo and care for Justice, helping with everything – complaining only at the changing of diapers (but don’t we all?). My 5 and 3 year-olds think He is neat – but want the space on Daddy’s lap that has always been reserved for them.
Wherever they are at, it’s my response to their needs, wants, cries, and joys that will help them in the maturation process from child to teen to adult.
As I was speaking in chapel this week I was reminded of how this same process takes place in the ministry of WSRM. Men, women and children come to us at varying levels of spiritual maturity. God has placed us in the position of walking alongside other men, women and children created in His image to help sharpen them and to use the unique gifts we have to help them in the maturation process. It is in my response to their needs, wants, cries, and joys that will help them in the maturation process from infant to adulthood – from milk to meat.
But it doesn’t stop there …
My kids help me mature in my faith as well. The simple faith of my children challenges me to see and grow in places and ways where my heart has become ragged and cynical. They help me to see love and experience love – and therefore to communicate love – in ways that the wisdom of the world considers foolishness.
The men, women and children at WSRM also help me mature in my faith as they begin to use their gifts and experience the joy of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through them. Watching them mature (as well as my own children) reminds me of God’s faithfulness to me.
I hope I never forget…
-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries
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1 comment:
Rick,
Great post! I could totally relate with raising my children & all that they taught me with caring for clients here at WS. Some days I believe God teaches me more through them than I am giving. Thanks for sharing & inspiring me today!
Gale
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