To Everything There Is a Season

Dear Readers,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministry today!
When we stayed near a small village in Haiti, our dormitory rooms had no ceilings, so it was like the Walton family. We could talk at night which we did when we heard the voodoo drums, because it was our first night there and we were scared by them.
The open ceilings made it impossible to not overhear conversations in the next room. Now I will admit, that my husband and I love to eavesdrop in restaurants on the people sitting at nearby tables, but other than that, I am not known to intentionally listen to other people's conversations.
I couldn't help but overhear a young woman on our trip who was a PK (pastor's kid)complaining about how she felt like she had to make an appointment to speak to her dad. My heart went out to her and I made a vow to myself that my future children would never have to feel that way.
I was one week away from entering seminary at Boston University, and though I was single, I had a very dear wish to marry and have a family.
Since that time, God has blessed me with a husband, a son (who turned 14 yesterday), 3 stepsons, 3 daughters-in-law and 5 grandchildren. My cup runneth over!
While I pastored a church, I was diligent about my time, being fair to everyone, God, myself, my family and my church. I was trained for good boundaries by punching a clock for 10 years as a jeweler.
Now that I am passionately painting prayers for Haiti, I find it hard to quit work at the end of the day and spend time with my family. Yesterday was our son's birthday, which meant taking time to create a party, (which we all enjoyed!) Plus my grandson wanted me to paint his face with multiple eyes like Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, because his youth group was having a pirates' night.
Looking back on yesterday, the birthday party and the painted face were the most memorable and meaningful parts of my day, even though I feel my work is important. I must keep in mind the wise words from Ecc., "For everything there is a season..."