There is a light snow falling this morning as we wait for the year to run out the clock and we are ushered into a new year and decade.
What thoughts come to your mind as you consider the year past and where we go from here?
Here are some musings from someone who has had a nice two-week break from most of my usual activities:
1. Seek the Lord - Deut. 4:29 "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and will all your soul."
We can be gazing heavenward even as we work and toil on this earth. Our charge is to seek Him first and all these things will be added...
2. Trust in the Lord - This is the time to remember that all good things come from the hands of an always good God who has our best interests in mind.
3. Try to see our ministry as only one small part of the Kingdom work - While what we and our ministries do is vitality important for the community and beyond, God is not constrained by our shortcomings; nor is He more potent if we are experiencing growth and greater impact.
4. Reflect Jesus - every meeting or interaction is an opportunity to represent the One who sends us. Remember His kindness and compassion and His desire to see the fullness of what He has to offer.
5. Go deeper - In a world characterized by thin and temporal relationships, make every effort to have meaningful interactions so that others will be valued. We, too, have a greater sense of satisfaction when we can think of one or two really great conversations.
6. Seek the "bi-lateral" blessing of matching a donor's desires with the ministry needs. It may mean a non-cash opportunity, but God Himself will release the funds at the right time and in the right amount.
7. Expect the unexpected - these are not "normal" times in the non-profit world. Look for new approaches and partnerships that can yield even greater impact - it may mean that we don't control everything.
8. Make connections with peers - if we have ever needed the support and encouragement from each other it is now. Set aside time each week or month to connect with a peer who can encourage you and who you can do the same for.
9. Laugh at yourself - We can take our work seriously, but let us not take ourselves to seriously. Our Lord who reigns in heaven must look down on our (often) clumsy efforts and smile at our attempts to be successful.
10. Can't think of one more - drop me a line and finish the list, please....
God Bless!
