Thankful

Daylight savings. Snow. Cold. Messy parking lot. Will anyone even show up? I bet this will be an all-time low in worship attendance. Those were the thoughts running through my mind this morning. I know  pastors look confident and secure on Sunday’s behind their pulpits, but if pastors are all honest, these are the thoughts that can eat at us from time to time. I’m so thankful that I was wrong!

I want to clarify why I’m thankful though. Sure, worship attendance was average, which is a blessing because the Anothen family gets together and worships the living God. Powerful things happen when His people center around His presence. But attendance is an ever shifting variable. That can’t be the measure of what we find thankfulness for. What I’m most thankful for is a group of committed Christ followers, determined to be in His presence every week and ENJOY being there! That is what makes me most thankful.

It brought me such joy to see kids, parents, and grandparents laughing and pelting each other with snow balls. It brought me joy to hear genuine laughter and peace in the House of God. The laughter and joy on the outside of the Worship House would find its way into the Worship House.

It brought me so much joy when two of our AkidZ came in and prayed over our worship team. I’m thankful that the voices of singing saints boomed over the instrumentalist when singing “Come Alive.” I’m thankful for a worship leader and team who lead us spontaneously but spiritually through worship, what a blessing and honor!

I’m thankful for an AkidZ Director and team that love on kids every week. Who teach kids to engage God and talk with Him. They teach that Jesus is alive and well!

I’m thankful for this Church, and that Jesus leads us so well. I’m thankful for the raw moments of Gospel love and truth that grace us and grow us closer to Jesus every week.

These are just a few of the things that the Lord allowed me to see in gratitude and thankfulness this morning. I’m thankful….