Yesterday was a very relaxing and refreshing day. Why? The main reason was that I was on vacation. The secondary reason is that my wife I were in Iowa taking care of (sometimes it was the other way around) 3 of our grandkids while their parents are on a mission trip. The third reason was that I was not worried in the least about my churches because I have such great people serving with me. As for my musings …

-Yesterday I went to church as a visitor. That is always an interesting experience for a pastor. To enter a place you don’t know, of course I had the advantage of having 3 grandkids who knew their way around. It made me realize some things we do well at my churches and some things we need to improve.   

-I really enjoyed the whole worship experience at the church we attended. It is a church focused on the needs of young families and college students. I definitely felt my age looking around the worship center. I loved the music and the message was good.

-The service we went to was at 8:45, yes that is in the AM. My grandkids don’t sleep in, so it was easy to be ready and on time (actually early). The place was packed with college students and young families.

-As much as I needed some time away and some refreshing I still missed the people in my churches.

-I am already working on this Sunday’s message even though I am still on vacation and I am excited to preach this message.   

-I am loving that my wife and I are able stay with the grandkids and help my daughter and son in law go and serve in Africa for a time. But I am not fooled, I know that taking care of a 4, 6 and 9 year old for 5 or 6 days is nothing compared to everyday parenting. I love being a grandparent and I especially love being a grandparent watching my kids and kids in law be such great parents.

-Looking forward to enjoying this special time with my grandkids for another day and a half. Because when I get home my first 5 days are absolutely packed and I am looking forward to it. I love being a pastor.

-It is really easy when I am at another church on a Sunday to go into evaluation mode instead just participate. Yesterday I was able to really worship.

-My prayer list is really growing. Fortunately, God is able to handle all that burdens me and more.    

-It is looking like my fantasy team may lose another one.

Here’s hoping that you find something to refresh your spirit this week.

Dennis