"Let them be part of your life in God -- that is ministering."
- Henri Nouwen

Read this today as part of my morning routine; it comes from an article he wrote about taking a retreat, and during that retreat being asked to lead some devotions for a group of students. He was reluctant, as it was infringing on 'his time'. The abbot at the monestary told Henri that, after being a priest for 20 years, spiritual director for 40, and if he spent some time each day praying and singing and reading, he would have years worth of material to speak from that would serve these students. By simply letting them be part of his life in Christ, they would be ministered to.

How often do we think we have to be super prepared in order to minister to others? How many of us think we've got to have a devotional book, or scripted prayer, or family guide in order to teach our kids? What if it is simply letting them be a part of your life and experience in Jesus? Letting them see you, speaking to them about what you are learning, and how God is loving you? Ministry happens in all ways, shapes, and forms. We will do well to live and practice that...