The Simple Things

Seriously people. Time is flying! This is incredible. It's the end of September. I don't know about you, but my days seeming to be moving faster than I can keep track. The days are quite running together, yet it does feel as though when day it's Wednesday and in a few hours, I will blink and it will be Saturday morning. The fun in all of this, though, is the reminder, albeit a scary one at times, is that the kids are ever-growing.

Case in point... they got new shoes yesterday. There's a joy to buying new shoes that's almost on par with buying a new box of crayons. Meanwhile, the adult in me is having one of those weeks, maybe two. Perhaps I need a new pair of shoes. Or just a stroll through the coloring aisle in search of sniffing crayons.

Ministry, like being an adult, just seems to never end. Challenges. Frustrations. Problems to be averted if possible, and solved when they can't be averted. The worst, is when you miss the opportunity for aversion and then have to deal with the aftermath.

So, I'm thinking this #youthPastorWednesday about those who perhaps aren't on the verge of burnout, but enough things seem to be points of conflict and contention, frustration and aggravation that it's bothersome and disconcerting. The simple joys of fresh crayons, new shoes and a play-date just don't seem to quite be enough. A great cup of coffee goes a long way, but some days, even the entire pot seem insufficient for the task of rejuvenating our energy and perspective.

Well, then...

Let's pray, this last #youthPastorWednesday of September, for those pastors that experiencing days that seem to robbing their joy. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage their spirits, that the contention and frustrations of the day would be short-lived and quickly solved. Pray for wisdom as they manage their responsibilities, both at home and at church. Pray that friends would rally around them and continue to invest in them; even through the simply pleasure of a good conversation over great coffee. May they know they are loved, both by God and their congregation. May discouragement depart far from them, as they continue to move forward resolute in their calling and confident that God will bring them through as over-comers, albeit with more than a few scars and fatigue from battle.

Thank God He is not bound by time
Nor are we bound by our past.
We hold strong to the promise of tomorrow
And live today as unto the Lord.
For the glory of God our Father.

- PNC

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