I love surprises and giving gifts. One night after our Wednesday program I met with 4 of my volunteer team who had agreed to go with me to Florida the next day to check out a camp that we were trying to learn from. They were all set to take vacation days off of work and jump into a car and drive 14 hours to get to the camp. As we pulled together, it was fun to tell them that instead of driving, we were going to fly, which would mean we would get to spend more time at the camp and spend a day on the beach.
We had a blast going to Florida, eating at Downtown Disney, being a part of an incredible camp, playing on the beach, eating incredible food, and laughing a ton. For one person it was their first time flying. For a couple it was their first time at Disney. For all of us, it was a great time to relax, have fun and be refueled.
I have learned that having fun is important to longevity in ministry. Over the years I have learned that trips to South Haven in Michigan, sledding in Minnesota, group parties in Kentucky, TopGolf in Arizona, and bonfires in Nebraska are important to refuel and have fun.
Finding what refuels you and your team that you work with can help add longevity and value to your ministry life and influence. I have learned that doing life with people is sometimes the best and most effective way to have fun. One year, I had an opportunity to visit a good friend who runs an incredible camp in North Carolina. At the last minute, a volunteer team member was able to come with me and we spent the next three days laughing, going on adventures, and experiencing some great people. I had a ton of fun those three days and realize that it wouldn’t have been near as fun if it wasn’t for my friend who came with me.
I would encourage you to find ways to do things that are refueling with people. If you struggle having fun, schedule it, invite someone into your life to help you plan it. Don’t settle for a life void of laughter and intentional investment in fun. Sometimes when you think you can least afford to make time for fun, is exactly when you need it the most.