Yesterday was a sampling of many parts of pastoring all rolled up into one day. Off to the musings …

-We enjoyed a powerful time of the spirit moving during the music part of our worship yesterday. It was one of those special times when everyone knew God was speaking as we sang. Wow, I really needed that myself.

-During the message it was much more difficult. I was really struggling, I just couldn’t tell if people were engaged or not. As a result I felt as if I was trying to pull people along. That is not a good thing for communication. But those days do happen, thankfully they have been few and far between recently.

-There was a lot of energy in the building yesterday as we had a lot of children in attendance. I love their energy, now if more of the adults could just take some cues from the kids.

-Yesterday was a very late arriving crowd. That is difficult on me. Those who know me well are aware that I struggle mightily when things are running behind.

-After the morning service my wife and I headed to a nearby town for a funeral visitation. It was a very difficult one, as it was for a 22 year old who died in an accident. There are no magic words at a time like that, just the ministry of presence. I was especially burdened for the family and the parents as they stood beside the casket of their child. Many prayers going up on their behalf and they will need more prayers and listening hearts in the days, months and years ahead.

-After returning home from that visit I went through some emails and thought a little about our small group and the lesson for the evening. Then laid down and fell asleep as I watched a little baseball and basketball. Then the phone rang …

-Then I was off to the hospital with another man in my church as we had gotten word that one of the guys from our church was in emergency surgery in an out of town hospital. As a result our small group did not meet last evening.

-We arrived at the hospital just as the surgeon was speaking with the family. The surgery went well and they are expecting significant healing in the next few days. Got to spend some time talking with his wife and some of the family. Had prayer with everyone and then headed back home.

-After recapping the visit with my wife I then ate some dinner.

-I love what I do and I loved yesterday. It was just interesting to realize how many different directions I was headed in yesterday.

-I love what God is doing in our church. There are some great times coming our way.

-I love being a part of a team. There are so many people who are really serving and sharing in our fellowship.

Here’s hoping you are able to see God’s hand at work today.

Dennis