February has come and gone and as with so many months I wonder just where all that time went. This month has been a pleasant mix of some very full days, and a few lower key moments.
Thankfulness
I do not know about you but February is easily one of my favourite months. While there are several reasons for this, like the fact that it marks the beginning of the turn in the weather and that it is the halfway point in the ministry year. But by far the biggest factor is that I can start thinking about tax returns. As much as I can I try not to budget for receiving this return, but between leftover Christmas bills, and unexpected costs related to my health and vehicle I often need the influx of cash. This year I was feeling particularly anxious about needing the resources, and so I filled my taxes as soon as I could, mid February. Yet it quickly became apparent that I made a mistake, as I later received a tax document that I had not known I was going to receive and therefor did not factor it in. This itself caused a lot of anxiety and frustration. Yet as I work with my dad, my uncle, and the treasurer of my church to clear up the mistake I find myself feeling profoundly thankful. Thankful that my dad has a program that can address this, and has the patience to work with me in it. Thankful that my uncle has both the expertise and the willingness to take calls and answer questions. And thankful that my church treasurer is gracious in explaining and encouraging me to look into these things.
I also find myself being profoundly thankful this month for the slower pace of life. As I shared last month, I am only taking a single class this semester and that has been a real blessing. I found last month I was stressing about school a lot, and with the different duties at the church I was not giving attention to everything that I wish I could. Yet this semester I have been able to attend 2 conferences, and several additional events that I could not have had I also been having to do a second class worth of work.
Finally I want to thank everyone who prayed for me this past month in regards to both of my mental health sermons. Last month I shared how anxious they were making me, and how much I was concerned that I might not have anything valuable to say. Yet after both sermons I found not only the usual encouragement that I often receive from my loving church, but much more personal engagements. After the first service someone came up and shared with me about their own struggles and how much they could have used my sermon at their low point. They even went so far to ask and then distribute my sermon to those they knew who were struggling. After the second sermon I had a long conversation with someone who really identified with what I shared. The talk and the sermon were both productive for this person. All of this has encouraged me greatly as I continue to work and serve at the church.
Prayer Requests
As a part of my class this semester I need to be regularly evaluated by a team of people at my church. This review is coming up soon in March and while I am fairly confident I am still also stressed out about this. Last semester this process was relatively painless and I hope for that to be the same again, yet I cannot help but wonder what I may or may not be doing that people might struggle with. Please join with me in praying that this group would be gracious to me as they have been in the past. That God would speak through them, not only encouragement but also the areas I need to grow in as a pastor and leader.
Another hope I have for the future has to do with our youth group and an upcoming conference. I have often wanted to take my group of students to more retreats and conferences yet have had many difficulties in this. In the next few months I am hoping to take a small group of students to a conference in Saskatchewan, there are many variables I need to reflect on and think about. Please pray for me as I take on this new challenge and task. Please pray that the event would come together and that the students would benefit from this event and that God would move among us.
Thank you to everyone who supports me both prayerfully and financially. I could not do this without the generosity and support of people like you.
