The view I couldn't enjoy

     Yesterday as I reached this scenic overlook after hiking for 8 miles with a 60 pound pack, I couldn't really enjoy the view with the pain I was in.  I was distracted by the constant cramp in both my shoulder muscles, the weariness of my hips, and the blisters on my inner thighs.  I wonder sometimes if ministry is like this?  We are too distracted by the busyness, the pain of our parishioners,  and the yet to be reached that we miss the scenic overlook of what God is doing, or we see it but can't really enjoy it.