This Monday morning is definitely different that most because we have 3 of our grandkids staying with us. We are taking care of them for a week while their Mom and Dad go to a conference. Today is the third morning that I had the joy of waking up and peeking in on sleeping grandkids. This is a great start to a Monday morning. Even better was the hugs as they got up and having the two year old cuddle with me in the recliner for about 20 minutes. Having the grands here means my Monday time of reflecting is most definitely different.

-We had a very good day at our church yesterday. The spirit in the worship service was very good and the people were very engaged throughout the whole service. The attendance was great and there was some great evidence of people growing in their walk with Christ.

-We remembered and paid tribute to 3 of our church family who left this place for their heavenly home within the past couple of years. It was a moving moment as their families stood to receive a memorial recognition and the church family remembered. For me the remembering is through the stories and memories of others as all of them were already gone when I came here to pastor. Part of the remembrance was me asking the congregation who was standing in the gaps that these three have left in our fellowship.

-It was fun having our grandkids attend church with us and I viewed how we do things in our children’s area in a different light. I love our children’s workers and their love for the children who attend. I love that they prepare and anticipate the children’s arrival. I did however look at a few things differently and believe we can do some things even better.

-Jody (my wife for those of you who may be new to my blog) and I enjoyed having a young couple who are early in their ministry preparation attend and come to our house for lunch. We are going to do some coaching with them and it was awesome to hear their stories and their passion for Christ. I am really looking forward to watching God work in them and through them.

-The message seemed to go well and as I mentioned earlier the congregation was very engaged. Even more encouraging to me was to hear a few people share what spoke to them from God’s Word on Sunday.

-Our small group went very well, our attendance was small again but we had a new person attend and the sharing was great. I love seeing people interact and really fellowship and to see them get to know each other better. Leading small groups is a great way to watch and facilitate real fellowship and growth.
-Yesterday was exhausting, but I have a hunch that has more to do with the 3 little ones staying with us than anything else. But it is a fun and precious (Yes I just used the word precious) tired.

-My wife is a rockstar. Yesterday morning she got 3 grandkids ready for church and had them here early. She did this for years when our kids were young and she hasn’t lost her touch. She did that while still preparing to have another family over for lunch after church.

-I loved watching much of the World Cup championship match yesterday. You have to admire the passion and energy that the players, and fans, displayed. All of that is for a championship in a sport. What are we doing for Christ? Our service to Christ impacts eternity, not just a single championship.

How is your Monday morning? What did you take away from your Sunday experiences? Here’s hoping you take the opportunity sometime today to reflect and rejoice.

Dennis