Thankful

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

Being a pastor doesn't make you immune to temptations of a busy life. Particularly around the holidays, it can be easy to get so swept up in family plans and events that we fail to fully stop and appreciate what God is doing in the midst of it all.

As I have been reflecting on worship and gratitude the last two weeks, I was reminded of a song I wrote years ago. I shared it in our message on Sunday, and I thought I'd share it with you all today as a reflection for Thanksgiving. It was a sort of honest prayer and reflection in a time that I wished I'd had something more and better to give. The lyrics are as follows:

I do not have time to spend with You
I've got far too much to do today
I do not know how much You are worth
I spend all my time on useless things

See! The Flower and trees, they sing for You
My heart should be trained to do the same
But I have not song, nor speech, nor praise
I spend all my time on useless things

Teach me how to seek Your face again
To recognize Your voice and know Your name
I am slow to love and quick to sin
You are full of hope and righteousness

Teach me how to look like You
Teach me how to love like You
Teach me how to live like You
Teach me how to live...

My prayer this Thanksgiving is that we might be a little less busy, a little more present, and a little more alive in the glory of God's grace and goodness. May we lay aside all the useless things that beg for our attention and be fully present and thankful. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!