I recall with such disdain my memories of a child that was awoken on a beautiful Saturday Morning to; “get out of bed and get dressed, it’s time for service” Oh God the pain I endured as a child being deprived of my Saturday morning Cartoon fix. The only exception was if it was a cold blistery winter morning or a family wedding. Saturday morning ministry became a regular routine for me growing up. After a while you just get used to it, never, regardless of who you are, you never “enjoy” the ministry. I often say that the ones that get up on the platform to declare their love for the ministry would be the first to burn their service bags should a decree from the WTS declare that the work was completed. The point is nobody enjoys this work-especially children. Once I got married I wanted to be a strong spiritual head for my wife so I continued in this pattern of drudgery for the sake of my family and of course to attain privileges in the congregation. I was always able to put on my game face even when I reached the pinnacle of my spiritual career as an elder and would oversee the group in our home for several years. Some of my fondest memories was when nobody would show up for the group (very rare) of course my most bitter moments came when one person would show up late for the group. This would foil my plans to strip out of my suit and start making breakfast for the family.
For the first time in my life I am really enjoying my weekends-especially Saturday. Now I go to the gym to work out, I go cycling with my kids or its breakfast with just me and my favourite girl. I feel as close as I ever have to her and it is largely in part to the advice I have read on this forum to replace the time that I would have normally spent wasted at the KH or in service and have some quality face time with her. This past Saturday was no exception; I got up early and cleaned all the windows and screens on our house then we went for a great breakfast and I said to my wife; “isn’t it wonderful to take a break and enjoy our Saturdays? She heartily agreed and said “I know that for the most part that the ministry is a waste of time but I go for the association”. I reassured her that if it association you crave then are much better ways of accomplishing that. I know it is going to be a long process but I know I can help her to “see what I see”. Even the small things like getting your weekends back and enjoying your spare time doing what you actually enjoy!!