Yesterday was an encouraging day on many levels. It was encouraging to celebrate and pray over our babies and toddlers. They signify the hope we have for the future. There was a lot of smiles from parents and grandparents when those young ones were up front.

It was encouraging to see so many children go out to children’s church. I love watching them run to their area. We could use a little of that with the adults. If not the running, at least the enthusiasm.

It was encouraging to sense the congregation being engaged in the message. It sure makes it easier to preach when the people are engaged and attentive. I love preaching to people who are hungry and engaged. More and more that seems to be true of my congregation.

It was encouraging to get a note from a parishioner giving me an update of their working to put into practice the action step I gave during last Sunday’s message. Wow, that one really encouraged me.

It was encouraging to see such a good attendance on Father’s Day. Too often my experience has been that Father’s Day is a low attendance day. Our attendance was only 11 below Easter Sunday. I know that attendance is not everything but it does matter.

It was encouraging to see a series finish well. This series that finished Sunday was on relationships and there were some twists and turns along the way. The last two Sundays had a different focus than I originally envisioned when I laid it out at the beginning. As the series went along God kept working on me and enlightening me personally and on my congregation. That resulted in the last two weeks of the series changing from the original plan. Thankfully I listened and the result was very encouraging.

Mondays are for reflection, recovery and evaluation. This Monday is also for preparation. Striving to get a lot done today so I can take off and see my Dad for a brief visit. Conversations and time with my Dad is always encouraging.

So how is your Monday morning?

Dennis