Solitary Attitude

You know you are having a true writer's moment, when you are tempted to begin a blog post with, "I have to be honest with you...", then realize, it implies to your readers, that perhaps you haven't been up to this point. After 500+ posts, I think you'll agree, this would not be a good move.

So, just say what you mean to say.

Up until late last night, I hadn't given much thought to what today's perspective would be. Then, somehow my mind began to reflect on pastor's sermon. As we enter into Thanksgiving, he spoke about the 10 lepers and the lessons we can learn, from the one who returned with gratitude. At the close of his message, he described the difference between living in a monastery and a prison.

(and this is my paraphrase:)
In a place of solitude, the difference is attitude.

Prison is unsettling, frustrating, unfulfilling; a place of anger, pain, and discontentment. 
Thoughts of thankfulness and gratefulness are far and away from the front of your mind.

Conversely, the monastery. Settled. Calm. Fulfillment. A place of peace and contentment.
Thankfulness and gratefulness are on the forefront of your mind.

We all have our times, places and moments of monastery.
​More often than not, we find ourselves in life's prison.

And once again, I'm reminded... pastors are not immune to the same experiences as the rest of us. Even Thursday, at the end, as we prayed specifically for pastors who have sons and daughters who are away from God... prodigals. And yet ministry goes forward, despite the troubles and concerns at home. I simply can't fathom. Actually, I can to a degree and that alone scares me.

Pray with me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling in life and ministry. For whatever reason, they feel as though life's current moments are more like prison, than a monastery. Pray for the situations, whether at home or at church, that are attempting to rob their joy, steal their zeal and shred their spirit. For thoughts that are consuming their mind and conversations that are ripping their hearts, may God minister to them and strengthen them anew and afresh. May the Holy Spirit comfort them and bring them peace... beyond all reason and understanding. Pray a fresh indwelling of thankfulness and gratitude; that God would reassure them that He is working all things together for God. May their efforts in ministry not be hindered by their distractions; but that hope would rise up within them.

May praise ever be on their lips
And complaints far from their hearts.
Minds set like a flint
As they trust in God for the miraculous.
Peace, that surpasses all understanding.

​- PNC

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