Grateful Living
Grateful for Being Well-Led
This week’s reflection is from Di Priest, our COACH Co-ordinator, who recently stepped down to care for her mother in Tasmania during a tough time. Her words reflect her gratitude, wisdom, and faith. We honour Di's servant-hearted leadership, authenticity, and grace in supporting our community. May her story inspire us to see God’s guidance in every season.
Many years ago, while in Bible school, I was deeply moved by a lecturer who taught on Proverbs 29:18. In the traditional KJV, it reads: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
From that moment onward, my heart-response to this Scripture has been a simple prayer: “Lord, lead me into communities where I will be well-led — places where I am safe, valued, inspired, and able to flourish.”
Looking back, I can see God’s kindness in answering that prayer many times, including here at Hervey Bay Baptist Church. I have been shaped, steadied, encouraged, and strengthened by leaders and mentors whose wisdom and character helped me grow. For that, I am deeply grateful.
Yet there is another dimension within this verse that brings clarity. The NLT version says: “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.”
This reminds me that leadership is not a one-sided dynamic.
Yes — I long for healthy, humble, God-fearing leaders.
Yes — I seek environments where vision is clear and Christ-centered.
But I also have a role: to remain receptive, prayerful, teachable, and aligned with God’s leading. To accept divine guidance — from God directly, and from the leaders that God has placed in my life.
Not every community or workplace has always been peaceful or healthy, nor has every leader embodied grace or wisdom. (Me, included) There have been seasons of discomfort and misalignment. And yet—through all of it—I hear God’s Word gently reminding me: “…in everything give thanks…”
Gratitude does not mean pretending all is well when it isn’t. It simply acknowledges that God is still faithful, still teaching, still shaping, still leading, even in imperfect circumstances.
Giving thanks does not mean silent compliance. It does not require tolerating unhealthy systems or passively enduring environments that crush dignity, purpose, or well-being. Honouring leadership does not mean abandoning discernment.
Gratitude does not negate truth-telling. We can give thanks for God’s sovereignty —
While still advocating for what is just and godly.
I remain grateful — not only for the places where I was well-led, but also for the seasons that taught me to seek God’s voice above all other voices. Whether under wise or imperfect leadership, God has held me, formed me, and faithfully guided my steps.
And I continue to pray — “Lord, lead me and help me remain led by You first.”
From that moment onward, my heart-response to this Scripture has been a simple prayer: “Lord, lead me into communities where I will be well-led — places where I am safe, valued, inspired, and able to flourish.”
Looking back, I can see God’s kindness in answering that prayer many times, including here at Hervey Bay Baptist Church. I have been shaped, steadied, encouraged, and strengthened by leaders and mentors whose wisdom and character helped me grow. For that, I am deeply grateful.
Yet there is another dimension within this verse that brings clarity. The NLT version says: “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.”
This reminds me that leadership is not a one-sided dynamic.
Yes — I long for healthy, humble, God-fearing leaders.
Yes — I seek environments where vision is clear and Christ-centered.
But I also have a role: to remain receptive, prayerful, teachable, and aligned with God’s leading. To accept divine guidance — from God directly, and from the leaders that God has placed in my life.
Not every community or workplace has always been peaceful or healthy, nor has every leader embodied grace or wisdom. (Me, included) There have been seasons of discomfort and misalignment. And yet—through all of it—I hear God’s Word gently reminding me: “…in everything give thanks…”
Gratitude does not mean pretending all is well when it isn’t. It simply acknowledges that God is still faithful, still teaching, still shaping, still leading, even in imperfect circumstances.
Giving thanks does not mean silent compliance. It does not require tolerating unhealthy systems or passively enduring environments that crush dignity, purpose, or well-being. Honouring leadership does not mean abandoning discernment.
Gratitude does not negate truth-telling. We can give thanks for God’s sovereignty —
While still advocating for what is just and godly.
I remain grateful — not only for the places where I was well-led, but also for the seasons that taught me to seek God’s voice above all other voices. Whether under wise or imperfect leadership, God has held me, formed me, and faithfully guided my steps.
And I continue to pray — “Lord, lead me and help me remain led by You first.”
Posted in Grateful Living