Our families look to us to provide and it’s in our nature to do so. But more than a paycheck, we must become soul providers – meeting the soul needs of our family and not just their financial necessities.
It brings us joy to know our strength is needed – that in offering ourselves we can bring more life and goodness to others.
It’s easy to see this financially. As we earn money, we can clearly provide for food, shelter, clothing, and even a few luxuries in life. And who can question our competence as a provider when there is such clear evidence?
The evidence of a soul provider is not always as clear.
A soul provider provides for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of others.
Physical Provision
Providing for the physical includes all those things money can buy, and also our touch and very presence.
Many of us are touch starved. And generally speaking, men are even less likely to touch than women. This often leaves our wife and children craving a generous provision of masculine touch.
The same is true with our presence. Showing up to the ballgames and recitals, the social dinners, and even just “wasting time” together around the house all go a long way in meeting the physical needs of the soul.
Emotional Provision
Emotional provision is a two-way street. It includes caring for the emotions of the other, as well as sharing our own.
Here we provide by entering into the emotional world of the other – acknowledging and honoring their emotional experience.
We also offer our heart and emotions to them. They want to know the inner movements of our soul as much as they want to share theirs with us.
Spiritual Provision
Providing spiritually is helping others to connect with a larger purpose and meaning in life, and with God himself.
This may be carving out time for spiritual connection together, being intentional about connecting with a spiritual community, or providing your own thoughts and other resources for spiritual development.
Much more than simply bringing home a paycheck, we are called to be soul providers – providing for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of our family.
Provide financially and also for the soul care of your family.
Photo by Blake Barlow on Unsplash
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