Comedian George Carlin said, “Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.” He is probably right. Cynicism often comes from being let down by others or by circumstances of life. Jonathan Brush, being interviewed by Andy Andrews, said, “Optimism gives way to cynicism and cynicism gives way to bitterness.” I don’t know anyoneContinue reading “Overcoming Cynicism”
Tag Archives: rest
Mistakes I have made
Every pastor and church leader can sympathize with the first line of a Queen song which says, “And bad mistakes, I’ve made a few.” The number and severity of those mistakes may be commensurate with the number of years one has spent in vocational ministry. Many of us tire of hearing the success stories ofContinue reading “Mistakes I have made”
Time to think
I love solitude. I look forward to time alone with a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair — it is a life-giving and energy-restoring discipline for me. Ten to 20 minutes alone fuels me up for hours of productivity. But until recently, I did not know there was a term for what I wasContinue reading “Time to think”
Leaders must care and not care
Dr. Justin Irving, author and professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, writes in his book Leadership in Christian Perspective, “Leaders must care and not care at the same time. They must care deeply for the people they lead, but not for the shifting praise and approval of others.” Dr. Irving hits onContinue reading “Leaders must care and not care”
Thanksgiving habits
When my girls were small and demonstrated a bad attitude or entitlement disposition, I would punish them by making them list 10 things they were thankful for. That practice either made them more thankful or less vocal with their complaints. Either way, it was a welcome relief. The disciplined practice of giving thanks is notContinue reading “Thanksgiving habits”
Appreciate your pastor
October is recognized worldwide as Pastor Appreciation Month. Some will remember Focus on the Family in the 1990s encouraging churches to show appreciation to their pastors and staff — but to do so especially during the month of October. Since that time churches have found unique ways to honor their pastor and staff. Why shouldContinue reading “Appreciate your pastor”
Stretched beyond repair
Have you heard the rubber band analogy? The idea is that a rubber band kept stretched out for an extended period will eventually lose its elasticity and never return to its original shape or strength. The point of the analogy is that leaders are like rubber bands. We cannot remain stretched out with busy schedulesContinue reading “Stretched beyond repair”
5 Reasons to Use Your Vacation Time
Just picture it: five days of watching your kids build sandcastles or chase crabs on the beach, exploring new parts of God’s creation, not having to clean up dishes, and falling in love with your spouse in a new and fresh way. Vacations can facilitate all these blessings and more! Depending on how long oneContinue reading “5 Reasons to Use Your Vacation Time”
What to do when you feel empty
Every pastor I know considers it an honor to preach God’s word to God’s people and to those who are not yet His people. Every pastor also knows that preaching involves much more than the Sunday morning delivery of a message. There is a great deal of preparation that goes into preaching. Many hours ofContinue reading “What to do when you feel empty”
Dr. Todd Gray 