Lessons from Vacation #7: Stability and Consistency Matters

Being on vacation this summer has certainly taught and reminded me of certain things. At the beach one of my daughters wanted to go out into the waves. She is one of my more daring girls and really enjoys trying new things. However, although she is old enough and a strong enough swimmer to do well on her own in the water, she “made me” go down to waters edge to watch her. She said, “you being here with me makes me feel safer.”

The reality is as parents, spouses, or ministry leaders our presence matters. Being there for people makes a difference in peoples lives. Whether it is our own family or with people we minister to, being consistent and having people experience stability with our presence there matters. The question is do you provide stability and consistency in your personal and ministry life?

Providing stability and consistency isn’t that hard really. It is simply showing up. You show up…

• at your own children’s activities
• at events that are monumental in the lives of your family and those you are ministering to (if there is an event at the same day/time, your family wins out here).
• at the regular ministry programs. There shouldn’t be many times you miss a regular program meeting (especially if you are the head leader).
• at event your students are participating in. Obviously you can’t be at everything but if you can raise up and train your leaders to be consistent in the lives of others, you and your leaders can show up consistently to more students.

The main point here is that consistency matters. People we are ministering to don’t always consistently have people show up for them. That is why when we show up, it makes a difference. They know they can rely on us to be there and to show up to support them and be there for them. Show up in the lives of those you minister to. Show up in the lives of your own family.

Now again, you won’t be able to be at everything, but the more you show up, the more trust and respect you earn from them. And, they know you care for them and that they are valuable to them. And that will help you be able to speak truth into their lives which will ultimately make a difference in their lives. That is why stability and consistency matters.

What do you think? How have you seen stability and consistency in your personal and ministry life make a difference?  Share below or use Twitter to share by using @tapounder when you tweet.