Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm‬ ‭118:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I feel like I’ve said it countless times over the past several weeks – this is the busiest time of year. And in this Season, sometimes ministers get exhausted. When we are exhausted we tend to grumble and complain. We find it hard to take joy in all of the activities we are part of during this season.

I’ve worked long and hard in my career in ministry to not be a grinch at Christmas – to find the joy, even when I’m tired; to worship our savior, even when it is my job; to marvel at the wondrous story of his coming among us even when I know the words off by heart.

And yet, I confess to you – I’ve been grumbly lately. I’ve complained about meetings I haven’t wanted to attend and I’ve moaned about events that I haven’t wanted to lead. I’ve whined about the number of evenings in a row I must be out.

But here is the thing: God is good, God is generous, God does not grow weary, God is ready to restore.

The goodness and generosity of God has been excessively apparent to me in recent days. Because as I have showed up grumbling to one engagement or another, God has not held my grumbling against me. Instead, God has blessed me in my work, surrounded me with people to inspire and cheer me, and at each turn breathed life back into my shriveled spirit. God has restored my soul.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

This Advent, may you know the renewing, generous, life-giving love of God. May God show up in person in your life. May you find yourself overwhelmed by blessings. May you enjoy the wonder of the season. May you find restoration in Him.