So recently, I volunteered myself for a ministry that I don’t think I fully grasped how much work and time it was going to take. I simply raised my hand and made an offer to do it and them when I got home, I realize that I bit off more than I could chew, and it was only making cookies. Yes, I volunteered to make 22 dozen, 264, snickerdoodle cookies in only a couple days for a men’s conference at a sister church.

At first, I was all excited to jump in and help, but as I started planning out everything I would need to make the 22 dozen cookies, I quickly understood that I would be crunching for time. I then began to panic and complain about why they needed so many cookies in the first place. My mom offered to help me, and ended up making over half, which was a huge help. Then I finished them up and delivered them by the due date.

But then my pastors wife reminded me, when I was complaining to her about the amount of cookies, that I had volunteered to do that many when everyone was presented with what needed to be done. She said that there were other ladies that could have helped, but that is what I took so I then was responsible for it.

This whole experience taught me a big lesson in doing ministry. First, that I can actually consider what is a reasonable expectation that I can fulfill and do well, before making a commitment. Second, there are others that want to be involved in ministry, so who am I to hog it all for myself. It wouldn’t make me a better Christian. It actually caused me act unlike Christ. And third, when something does go differently then expected, remember to trust God and keep going until the job is done.