Eternally Grateful

It's a little scary when the inspiration from pastor's sermon falls in line with a realization obtained while watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, but here we are.

The frustrations of a monotonous reality will eventually ruin a spirit of gratitude.

Sometimes plans change, either because of circumstances beyond our control or God changes the course of our lives. In either case, we can find ourselves living a life, that while we may enjoy, we also may be secretly wishing we were somewhere else; doing something else.

We can be grateful for what we have, who were are with and what we are doing. And yet the daily frustrations can and do certainly take their toll. Eventually, if the perspective of the joy and power of the opportunity before us is lost, then we lose the ability to not only be thankful for our reality, but we fail to give expressions of gratitude for that reality.

Sure, a front and a justification can be made for a while, but eventually it becomes apparent to a select few as the effects of burnout come into the light and the unsettling sense of dissatisfaction makes itself known.

Oh, that those in ministry would not find themselves miserable!

(*as Petra's song Thankful Heart just now begins to play on Pandora)

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not lose their sense of gratitude. May they maintain a thankful heart towards God; what He has granted, given and blessed in their lives, homes and ministries. Pray for a renewed quickening as God works afresh in their hearts and minds. May they live and serve with thankful hearts; that frustration and dissatisfaction would be far removed from them.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit
As an enduring testament to the grace and love of God.
To live with a heart of thanks
And serve the gratitude
For the glory of God.

- PNC