January's Thought Process

OK. This is my first attempt at blogging. We'll see how it goes!! I started this blog because I think it's important for everyone to know that just because I'm a pastor, doesn't mean that I am perfect or even come close! I struggle, too!!

The month of January has been a bit overwhelming. Beginning a new year as a pastor of a church is always challenging, but this year seems to be even moreso. We've started a new service - which is definitely God at work - and i'm putting together a clergy "taskforce" for Deerfield Twp. That's not to mention all the meetings for each team and several classes for the community that our church has been hosting. Whew!! And I'll end this month with a wedding!!

I don't want people to think that I'm complaining about my job. God has shown me that this is exactly what He called me to do. I love my job - well, at least most of the time. But, for those of you that are reading this that aren't pastors, this is not a 9-5 Mon-Fri job. It is all hours of the day and we're lucky to get even ONE day off!! Appreciate your pastors!!!

As I was feeling truly overwhelmed one morning (after a 5 hour nights sleep), I looked up to God and asked Him to help me get through yet another day. Am I at my limit? No, but I'm getting close. I asked God to give me the strength to get me through the chaos and hectic day in front of me. God promises that He will answer our prayers when His children call, so I was calling:

O Prayer Answering God,

Thank you for the opportunity to reach Your people.

Thank you for calling me to Your work.

Yet, God, my plate is full.

Help me to get through the many tasks You've called me to do

(and the ones I took on myself),

and grant me the peace and strength to tackle it all.

May I be Your hands, feet, and voice this day

in everything I say and do.

In Jesus' name,

AMEN.

I made it through the day. While I was exhausted, He provided me the strength to make it through. When you are feeling overwhelmed with the tasks He (and probably you, too) has set before you, ask Him to help you make it through. He will. You might be tired when it's over, but He will.

May my prayer to God become your prayer when you are overwhelmed.

Your sister in Christ,

Pastor Heather