Monday mornings are either the greatest or the worst. Especially for pastors. Right?
According to one study, we spend about 12 minutes just complaining that it's Monday. Another study found that most of us don't even crack our first smile on Monday until 11:16 a.m.
When you drive into the church parking lot on Monday morning, you're either excited or you're not.
I've been in both places over the years. I know what each one feels like. I've lived both scenarios for good lengths of time.
Sometimes Mondays are horrible. There's conflict in the church. Or you had a bad Sunday. Or someone sent an anonymous note or email over the weekend. Or you just feel like you're not serving at a great place. Maybe you're in the middle of a family crisis, suffering from a health issue, or suffering from depression. And the thought of opening your church office door either scares you to death or about makes you sick.
Other times, Monday's are awesome. It seems like the church is on a roll, your leadership is really making a difference, people lives are changed, attendance is up, and nothing can stop you. In fact, you can't wait to get in that office and get going.
Mondays can be miserable or electrifying.
Here's what I've learned about Monday mornings over the years: things are never as good or as bad as they seem first thing Monday.
You're not as good as you think you are on Monday morning.
And things aren't as bleak as they seem to be on Monday morning.
Here's my takeaway: I don't ever make any big decision before noon on Monday.
At my work at Chemistry Staffing, I usually receive more emails and resume submissions on Monday morning than any other time of the week. Monday seems to be the biggest day of the week for church staff to make the determination to transition, give up, or move on.
Sometimes transition is a good thing. Many times God does move us on. But before you make that decision, check your calendar.
God has you right where he wants you this morning. Maybe not forever. But this morning. Rest in that.
Let's Paul's words encourage you this morning:
"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears." (Philippians 1:6 - MSG).
God will accomplish His work in you. Even where you are right now. Even on Monday morning.
According to one study, we spend about 12 minutes just complaining that it's Monday. Another study found that most of us don't even crack our first smile on Monday until 11:16 a.m.
When you drive into the church parking lot on Monday morning, you're either excited or you're not.
I've been in both places over the years. I know what each one feels like. I've lived both scenarios for good lengths of time.
Sometimes Mondays are horrible. There's conflict in the church. Or you had a bad Sunday. Or someone sent an anonymous note or email over the weekend. Or you just feel like you're not serving at a great place. Maybe you're in the middle of a family crisis, suffering from a health issue, or suffering from depression. And the thought of opening your church office door either scares you to death or about makes you sick.
Other times, Monday's are awesome. It seems like the church is on a roll, your leadership is really making a difference, people lives are changed, attendance is up, and nothing can stop you. In fact, you can't wait to get in that office and get going.
Mondays can be miserable or electrifying.
Here's what I've learned about Monday mornings over the years: things are never as good or as bad as they seem first thing Monday.
You're not as good as you think you are on Monday morning.
And things aren't as bleak as they seem to be on Monday morning.
Here's my takeaway: I don't ever make any big decision before noon on Monday.
At my work at Chemistry Staffing, I usually receive more emails and resume submissions on Monday morning than any other time of the week. Monday seems to be the biggest day of the week for church staff to make the determination to transition, give up, or move on.
Sometimes transition is a good thing. Many times God does move us on. But before you make that decision, check your calendar.
God has you right where he wants you this morning. Maybe not forever. But this morning. Rest in that.
Let's Paul's words encourage you this morning:
"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears." (Philippians 1:6 - MSG).
God will accomplish His work in you. Even where you are right now. Even on Monday morning.
