While the summer has been nice and is not quite over yet, we are back in the grind of daily work and responsibilities. Our Senior Staff team exhausted ourselves in a very lengthy meeting yesterday from noon until late afternoon and only dismissed due to having other meetings already scheduled. We have had staff members all over the globe in recent weeks and now most are back from vacation time, so we are under the challenge of “getting much done” in a limited amount of time.

The grind is necessary. Yes, while we would love to live life without detailed stuff and pressurized schedules, that is just not “real life” in anyone’s world. The privilege of being in a responsible organization helps me embrace the details and even the pressures. Mostly, the calling of God upon my life and our church is the real motivation for me.

It is a joy to know when you are in the grind that others are there with you. When you row the boat alone, discouragement can prevail. The great news about our fellowship is that I have some associates and friends who are in there rowing with me. It is the most fun when we are rowing somewhere, especially when we are rowing in the same direction. This process of living life together and doing ministry together is a real privilege and joy.

It is easy to whine in the grind, but do not permit yourself to do so. We usually think that “no one has it worse than we do;” however, that is just not so. There is always someone who has greater struggles, greater challenges, and greater pain. This we should not forget when we are tempted to “whine in the grind.”

When it comes down to it, the only thing you can control in life is your response to life itself. Whining indicates weakness, while diligence communicates strength.

Respond well “in the grind.”