As servants in children’s ministry, we can sometimes get fixated on detail after detail. How many supplies do we need to buy? What room will be big enough? Where will all the volunteers come from? These are very important questions, but sometimes it’s where we go first, and we miss out on the beauty of the garden because we are stuck in the weeds. I’ve found that spending time in reflection helps zoom out my view a little bit to see the bigger picture of what God may be trying to accomplish through the ministry. Perspective is a gift!

Times of reflection often help us move forward in one of two ways. We may realize that we were stuck, and zooming out to see the big picture helps us see more clearly where to go next. This often happens when we are in a busy season. Or we may zoom out and see something that we didn’t even know was happening. For example, you may be teaching children alongside another volunteer, only to realize that while ministry to children is happening, it’s the volunteer whom God has you investing in as well (or perhaps God has sent someone to invest in you).

What keeps us from spending this time in reflection? TIME, of course! It is rare that anyone can set aside their to-do list to make the effort to zoom out, look back, and look ahead. Although people are often willing to spend more time in reflection as we approach a new year, I’d like to encourage you to make sure that reflection is happening throughout the year as well. Here are ideas that may help you spend this meaningful time:

• Intentionally set aside a half day or day.
• Consider whether a different space would help you focus.
• Start with Scripture and prayer.
• Use a white board or a large sheet of paper.
• Write thoughts as they come and see if they organize themselves.
• Be patient.
• Highlight things that stand out.
• Ask the Lord if there is anything to learn.

Consider if there are certain times of the year that this would be beneficial. Is there a meeting you need to plan for? Is there a lot of information you need to communicate to parents? Is there a churchwide calendar change or addition that you need to take into consideration before moving forward? These are good times to consider zooming out. Sometimes we keep doing the things we are used to because that is easiest. However, there may be opportunities that the Lord brings to our mind as we spend this intentional time with Him and make plans.

I pray that time spent gaining perspective blesses you as you advocate for the things that you see the children need in order to grow in their relationship with the Lord. The truth is we do have to zoom back in. Those details are important! The details are the things we talk about in meetings with others, but it’s the day spent in reflection that sets our perspective, directs our prayers, helps us communicate plans, shows us places to collaborate with the larger church, and enables us to relate to others as brothers and sisters in Christ.

I praise the Lord that He equips and enables us to serve in His church. I pray that as we head into a new year, we are looking to Him to be our source of strength and satisfaction. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).