Greg Surratt

Watching people empty the auditorium of a Good Friday service in complete silence. Reflecting on the cost that Jesus paid.

This one gets me every year.

It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming…

Love this guys heart as much as I like his music

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV-tl3_Ds4C/?igsh=Y213NHlxc21tNDBu

Brandon Lake Insta Exclusive Question 5 of 5: Biggest Fear? Link to full ep in bio #podcast #seacoastchurch #brandonlake

This week something shifted in me.

A friend made a very generous commitment to the Pastors Collective endowment fund, and instead of just feeling grateful (which I am), it stirred something deeper. It made me rethink the finish line I’ve been running toward for most of my adult life.

For years my goal was simple: live with integrity, avoid scandal, save enough to never worry about money again, and finish strong.

But I’m realizing that may not be the right finish line.

One thought that keeps coming back to me:

Guardrails are meant to keep you on the road. They are not the destination.

I wrote a reflection about what changed in my thinking this week, and why I’m starting to think the next decade of my life may actually be about building more, not less.

You can read it here:

https://substack.com//note/p-190840012?r=ekkvc&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Guardrails Are Not the Destination Something shifted in me this week.

https://substack.com/profile/24474792-greg-surratt/note/c-224829320?r=ekkvc&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

Gratitude does more than make you feel better.

It actually changes the way you see your life. Over time it breaks the subtle sense that life owes you something.

Instead of measuring what's missing, you begin noticing what has been given. And when life is received as a gift, ordinary moments carry more weight.

A good conversation.

A sunset.

A grandchild's laugh.

Nothing about the circumstance changed, but your perspective did. Gratitude shifts the soul from scarcity to abundance.

Researchers have noticed this as well. Psychologist Robert Emmons, one of the world's leading scholars on gratitude, writes, "gratitude blocks toxic emotions such as envy, resentment, regret, and depression."

That's a surprising benefit. Gratitude doesn't just add happiness to your life. It actually displaces the emotions that poison it.

The more you name what is good, the less room there is for what is bitter.

Turns out gratitude isn't just good manners. It's a powerful way to reshape the atmosphere of your heart.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬