Letter From a Grateful Pastor

I am a grateful pastor. I admit I get discouraged at times. And I admit that I can get frustrated and weary as well. But I have so much for which to be grateful. There are so many church members who bring me joy and encouragement. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for the church member with a great attitude, the one who encourages me, who prays for me and has a ready smile for me. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for that church member in worship services almost every week. He has his Bible open and his heart open to hear God’s Word proclaimed. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for the lady who is in a Bible study group every week. She loves to study the Word of God in fellowship with others. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for the young mom who serves in the church with joy and commitment. She is busy, and her family does come first, but she makes time for her church as well. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for that dear man living his retirement years sharing the gospel wherever he can. He is a witness in both word and deed. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for that single mom who gives abundantly. I know she has to stretch her dollars, but she trusts God and is generous without hesitation. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for that business executive who was tempted to drop out of the church but didn’t. He was hurt by other church members, but he chose to forgive and to stay. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for the young man who recognized he was playing church games. He committed, in God’s power, to become a truly functioning part of the body of Christ. His change is evident. I am a grateful pastor. I am grateful for that 40-something lady who dropped by my office to tell me she had recommitted her life to making a difference for God through her church. In just a short while, she has touched countless lives. Indeed, I am a grateful pastor. I could focus on the tough times and the critics, and sometimes I do. But I have so much for which to be grateful, so many church members who bless me week after week. I am a grateful pastor. And I thank you, God, for letting me serve at this great church.