Well, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed my Sabbatical. God has done some pretty cool things in my life over the last 7 weeks, and I believe He has also given me some clear direction for our ministry to kids in the coming years. I've been able to hang with some of the most recognized Children's Pastors in the nation, visit children's ministries all over and really glean some great things! This being my first week back, I've not been able to ignore the thoughts found a verse that is quoted regularly in the Crain household.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Some years ago, a train in the United Kingdom traveling 117 miles per hour derailed. The crash left four people dead and more than 30 people injured. An investigation showed that track defects had contributed significantly to the cause of the accident. The company responsible for maintaining the tracks was found to have not met its commitments on track repairs.

We've all seen this. People that just do things half-heartedly. We also know that these half-hearted commitments can end in disaster. I've seen it happen over the years, in areas of life ranging from sports to marriage, from friendships to business. All of us, at one time or another, have probably been hurt by others who have made half-hearted commitments.

I appreciate your whole-hearted commitment to our ministry to kids! It's evident in so many of your lives that being involved in children's ministry isn't just a job for you..it's a calling! I am constantly reinforcing this principle in the lives of my own boys. I tell them to work with everything they've got as if God was their teacher, coach, and parent. Not caring what others are thinking of them, just desiring to please the only One that matters. I'm thankful that my kids (and so many others) have this example of whole-hearted commitment from the adults in their lives..YOU!!