I’m a bit nervous about this one. For months we’ve been going through my book in progress, tentatively titled “The Art of Unlearning.” I’ve saved this one for last because it might sound most explosive, particularly coming from me. I’ve spent so much of my life trying to help families stay together and to find the purpose behind the challenges of family life, that it might seem odd I’m now talking about “unlearning” the tendency to put our families first or define ourselves by the “success” of our families. But I think this is a crucial lesson to learn to ultimately love our families well as we worship and serve God above all else. The reason I’m nervous is because with such a big topic, I’d like even more time to refine these thoughts before sharing them. But that’s one of the purposes of  this Substack column-to let you see my early thoughts and if you’re so inclined, to help me refine, focus, and improve these words to take them to the next level. Thus, I’m asking you not to quote me from this one even while I’m encouraging you to share your thoughts in the comments section. This is an important topic, and I’m hoping that together we can create something that will serve God’s church.

“I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.”

Psalm 69:8-9