Some Days…We Win!

Some Days...We Win

Most people assume Sunday is the hardest day of the week for a pastor. For me, Sunday is one of the most fun days of the week. I get to experience our teams operating in their calling and gifts. It is truly remarkable to see the diversity of abilities and attitudes that set the table for people to spend time with God.

Parking lot, connection, ushers, production (sound, lighting, video), innovation, online, musicians, singers, prayer team, care, facilities, human resources, administration...whew! That’s a lot of people serving so others can take a step toward Jesus.

The hardest days are what I call “between the tackles.” That means meetings, staff communication and development, time with key volunteers, and making sure every system and process runs smoothly. At our church, we do ministry almost every night of the week, so we’re usually moving toward the next thing.

Friday is my only day off, and I protect it fiercely. If an emergency comes up, I’ll run toward it. If it can wait until Monday, I’m grateful for the grace to do something life-giving for myself.

This past Thursday afternoon until Saturday at noon was massively fun. What made it great? People. Some of them I didn’t even get to see, and they still made it great. That’s the win. When you realize people are one of the greatest gifts in your life, joy and gratitude come right along with them.

Here’s a quick rundown.

Thursday

I had lunch with a great friend who is new to the Lord. I love his genuine, hungry approach to learning about God. We’re doing a challenge together: taking the charge to “Love God, Love People” in a way that captures the heart of God.

I spent a couple of hours with another friend strategizing how to build his business culture on the right foundation. It was so much fun talking through what makes a culture thrive! The bonus was his enthusiasm to do it right. I also got to meet his dad in person. Two exceptionally smart men!

Kristin and I connected after a busy day for both of us, before she headed out to a good friend’s empowerment gathering. I’m so proud of our friend for sowing into something she is so gifted at sharing with others.

Friday

I started with an excellent gym session and a walk. I feel strong, and my walks always connect me to God.

Then I had coffee with one of my Tampa Bros. I’m grateful for my biological brothers, who are two of my closest advisors and mentors. I’m also grateful for two men I call my Tampa Bros. They let me be just “me,” not “P. Chris.” We had a great talk and a real challenge.

I had a good touch-base with the other two lead pastors of GFC. We’re committed to working through church stuff together. I love these guys.

I spent a solid block of time writing my blogs for the week. That’s me time at its finest!

That evening, Kristin and I grabbed pizza and ice cream at an outdoor market. It was a beautiful, cool evening (it’s been a while in Tampa!). We played cards, laughed a lot, and she even let me win. We’d invited some friends who couldn’t make it. I’m so grateful for these friends. They’ve walked with us through a lot, and even in their absence, they make an impact.

Saturday

I woke up to my wife hitting the road to see a mentor. She was halfway out the door and turned around just to give me a kiss. I love that woman!

I took a great walk and stopped by the market, which had become a craft market. I got to catch up with some super friends who run their own tallow business. Great folks, great product!

While I was there, I ran into the wife of one of my longest-known friends. I introduced her to someone as a hero, because she is one to me. I’m in awe of her wisdom, professional acumen, strength, and grace. What a blessing to cross paths with her.

Then at the car wash, I ran into a GFC guy I’ve known for about 18 years. He’s a contractor who does everything at a very high level. We talked trucks for ten minutes, and I drove away smiling. He’s a good dude.

It’s noon as I write this. A slideshow of my favorite photos is scrolling beside me, and I keep stopping to laugh at my grandkids and family. Then there are the special moments, like one of our pastors receiving the Dale Brooks Award from Dale’s wife, Kaye. No laughter there...just moist eyes. Both of those ladies are champions in my book.

Why write all this?

Because some days, we win. We get to set aside the challenges, the mistakes, and the curveballs life throws, and simply enjoy the people we do life with.

I don’t know what this week will bring. But I know I can live fully in moments like these. I can lean into the people God puts in front of me and celebrate the journey each of them is on. That’s why community matters so much. Even the newest people in the circle bring a flavor that makes life worth living.

Your Challenge

Now let me turn this around, because none of those moments happened by accident.

Every person in my weekend chose to show up. A friend said yes to lunch. A brother made time for coffee. A wife turned around at the door. A guy at the car wash spent ten minutes on trucks. Not one of those was a big, heroic gesture. Each one was a small choice to include someone else in their day. And every one of them added value to my journey.

Maybe you read this and thought, “That’s great for you, but my weekend didn’t look like that.” Maybe your circle feels small right now. Maybe you’re the one waiting for someone to call. I get it, and so does God. He sees you in that place.

Here’s what I’ve learned. The fastest way to find community is to become the person who offers it. The win isn’t having a crowded calendar. It’s opening your eyes to the people already in your path.

So this week, I’m asking you to do three simple things:

Notice someone. Who is on the edge of your circle? It could be the new person, the quiet coworker, or the friend who hasn’t called in a while.

Name them. Write their name down. Pray for them by name.

Invite them in. Ask for coffee. Send a text. Hold the door and actually ask how they’re doing, then wait for the answer.

Jesus never treated people like interruptions. He treated them like invitations. You have more to give than you think, and someone out there is waiting on exactly what you carry.

So let me ask you, personally: Whose journey will be better this week because you were in it? Who will you encounter that will add to yours?

Go find them. That’s how we win.