My reflecting this Monday morning is all over the place. Thoughts are bouncing from yesterday’s events, to my kids/grandkids in Africa, to next steps at the church, to trying to get away for some vacation time and many things in between. This scattered thinking is making my Monday morning routine of reflecting and evaluating the happenings from Sunday difficult. You have been warned that these musings may bounce around a bit. Read on at your own risk.

-We heard a couple of great praises from testimonies in our worship service. One involved God’s faithfulness and powerful presence during a difficult experience and one involved a physical answer to prayer from a long time problem. I love hearing testimonies of what God is up to in people’s lives. We don’t provide enough avenues for this to take place. Need to work on that one.

-The congregation seemed very engaged in the message yesterday. That is actually surprising to me because I felt like my words were not as clear as I had envisioned. Just another example of God doing his thing in spite of me. That probably happens more often than I am even aware. For that we can all say “thank you Jesus”. (Or at least those who hear me preach often should be saying it.)

-Our attendance was much higher than anticipated for a holiday weekend. Not complaining, just observing and rejoicing over the growth that God is creating.
-While our morning worship attendance was higher than expected our small group attendance was lower than expected. We had some very good discussion and God is obviously speaking into the life of many in the group in powerful ways. The hearing of individual’s discoveries from God’s Word and the great questions they are working through is very exciting.

-The area where my kids and grandkids are serving as missionaries continues to have some scary stuff happening. I trust God and believe they are right where he wants them to be at this time. As a dad and grandpa I still worry a bit. It certainly makes for more intensity in my prayer times.

-I love the wisdom of those who have followed Christ for many years and I ache as I see some of them struggling physically and emotionally with changes in their lives. It is on their shoulders that we are standing. Let us never forget or take that for granted.

-I am humbled when I know someone is really praying for me and my ministry.

-I keep seeing signs that God is up to something really special in our church and community. Lord help me not to get the way, instead I want to be in the flow of your movement. Lord help me to see your plans and to courageously serve in them.

So how is your Monday reflecting going? What did you learn yesterday? Where are you headed this week? Here’s hoping you are sensing and seeing God’s hand in your life and service.

Dennis