This is the third of five priorities of a pastor as mentioned by Erwin Lutzer. This one hits home to me. I have a loving wife of 18 years and three precious children. I cannot tell you how often they have had their time with me or our family plans interrupted because of the demands of ministry. Rarely do they complain. They know that my calling is not a 9 to 5 job. They understand when emergencies arise and I am called upon to minister to hurting people. There are times, however, when I must protect my family time. Just a couple of weeks ago is a prime example. I had church activities scheduled for every night of the week, Sunday through Sunday. I would not be home before 9 p.m. each night. I had a decision to make. Most of the activities were required and I could not get out of them. One of them was a fellowship meal with the Senior Adult group. I decided to skip the fellowship and stay home on that night. I knew that the senior adults of our congregation would understand that my children will grow up all too fast and that I don’t want to miss it. They understand that these precious tender years slip by far too quickly. They know that I must not sacrifice my family on the altar of pleasing everyone and attending every meeting. If I allow my family to disintegrate, the church will fire me and get another pastor; but I cannot get another family. When my children are grown I will have plenty of time to attend church fellowships and functions. Until then, I will seek to balance ministry to my family with ministry to my congregation. Thankfully, I pastor a church who cheers me on in being there for my family.