"Raising a Standard"

Last Sunday I woke up tired and discouraged. I had woken suddenly twice earlier in the early morning hours from violent and dark dreams. I was tired from a busy holiday weekend of travel and time in the sun. The fear and oppression of my two bad dreams was occupying my mind as I started my day. I began thinking of what I needed to do that day and about some of the issues and decisions that are yet unresolved within my family of 6. I felt overwhelmed. Sundays are full, exciting and rewarding days for a pastor. This particular Sunday I was hosting the service, but not preaching. I wanted to arrive early, but wasn’t leading the pre-service prayer time. I do not allow myself to consider the question, “do I feel like going to church today”. I have already decided that I want to be there. While I also have a responsibility and role, I don’t want to go out of obligation or duty. I want to be joyful and expectant, fully present and engaged. If I don’t have hope while there, I hav...