Then the phone rang. It was a distant friend in ministry, a mature man of God for whom I had much admiration. The first question he asked was, “How is your marriage doing?” I told him that, in fact, my family was the one area that was going well. He asked to speak to my wife. Jade confirmed my confidence. I remem­ber him asking, “What are you doing that is keeping your family so together? In most circumstances like yours, the crisis usually gets the attention and the family tensions escalate.”

I thought about it and realized it was the boundaries and rhythms we had put into practice at SonScape. The external world was crumbling around us, but our inner lives were solid. Our spiritual health was benefiting from the preventa­tive maintenance of the soul.

The Cared-For Soul

Sadly, pride can keep us from seeking to learn the practice of spiritual health. We convince ourselves that we’re fine. Present indicators may support that, but what about when circumstances change? Are we healthy enough to endure the critical times, as well?

Over the last several years, Jade and I have offered to pay for couples in min­istry to attend SonScape as our guests. Some have been in moderate need; others have been in the midst of crisis. Not one couple has taken us up on our offer, and few have survived.

Stop. Slow down. Ask for help. Care for your soul.

It has been years since those events fol­lowing Sept. 11 took place. I’m happy to say God saw us through that time, providing for our needs as well as those to whom we owed money. It feels great when storms pass, but there is always a storm on the horizon. I’m blessed to have had few tragic events in my life. But when they come, we need to be ready. The soul needs consis­tent care and attention.

Three months ago, our daughter, Skye, was diagnosed with type I diabetes, turning our world upside down. Once again, we saw the enduring power of car­ing for the soul. Even when we felt things were falling apart, Skye’s nurses and physicians commented on how well we were handling the crisis. It wasn’t us, I’d tell them, it was the power of the Lord. The condition of our souls was a witness to those around us. They could see the difference in our interior lives even though it was not readily apparent to us.

When the winds are on the waters, can you sleep in the boat? The cared-for soul can.