What “Pawgress Reports” & Ministry Have in Common

My husband, Brian, and I recently purchased a condo. And while I knew him and I would undergo a transition period, I hadn’t thought much about our puppy, Balto, transitioning as well.

Our first few nights at the new place, Balto would wake up several times a night with an upset stomach, he refused to eat his food, and—for the first time ever—he was not excited to go to doggie day camp.

I picked him up from camp one day and, in his “Pawgress Report,” the staff member checked the boxes that said: “Missed you a ton,” “Sat it out this time,” and “Make sure things are normal at home.”

When I read that last one, I was reminded of a piece of advice I’ve heard several times growing up: The most important work you do begins in your own home.

We will always be called to the mission field of our home. We can have a flourishing external ministry, but, if we don’t love and care for those under our own roof, our ministry remains just that: external.

I have a hunch—in fact, I know for certain—that Don Stephens’ heart for mercy didn’t begin with the world’s forgotten poor, but within his home, his community, his church. And we hear this call to action every day as he encourages listeners to spread kindness and mercy wherever we go.

Luke 16:10 says, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”

So, whether it be a nervous puppy, a child who needs some love, or a marriage in need of more attention, may we be faithful with those whom the Lord has entrusted to us and fervent in sharing the mercy He so graciously gives to us.