Nathan Mullet @ Unsplash.com
Sometimes all it takes is one awe-filled moment to put everything in perspective.
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people… I will sacrifice a thank offering to You and call on the name of the Lord.
Psalm 116:12-15, 17
Sometimes I have to pinch myself a little bit.
My church isn’t huge compared to some, but the Lord has been kind, and I get to mess around with a big room full of cool gear at a church I love. When I think back to how I started out as a kid running sound on a little four-channel powered Peavey mixer for my Dad at his church concerts while he toured his debut acoustic album, it all feels a little nuts. I never saw myself here, much less writing to you about how I’m here. I have a lot to be thankful for.
Gratitude reframes even the busiest or hardest Sundays.
This is a privilege, and it’s always been a privilege. Every season has been a privilege, and I’m thankful for all of it.
I want to encourage you, leaders—be thankful for whatever season you're in now.
I know too well that Sunday keeps coming, and it’s easy to get worn out, especially with tight budgets and small teams trying to serve big dreams (both your own and your lead pastor’s), but isn’t this just so cool, what we get to do? And if we’re getting paid to do it, too, that’s almost unheard of.
You are a very particular and needed steward of the gospel. Without you, many would not hear about Jesus or have the opportunity to experience the presence of God. How kind of the Lord to entrust us with this.
I’m not sure how to respond to that kindness with anything else but gratitude.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not a thankfulness machine and some days I’m ready to quit and never come back, but that’s usually when I start to pinch myself a little bit. I see the auditorium, the equipment, the lights, and then I think about the truly remarkable moments I’ve witnessed in my years here, the moves of God that I’ve been able to host, and I’m simply floored.
Let Thanksgiving be the reset that reminds you why you serve.
This week, take a minute to ponder the ways the Lord has brought you to this moment, even if it’s hard right now, and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for all the good he has set upon you.
The Lord is good, the Lord is kind, and we are grateful.
