I was privileged to be the guest speaker at a church that was honoring some friends of mine for Pastor Appreciation Day. Getting ready to share there, I got out a file folder I've kept over the years. l am a lousy record keeper, but when I receive something that encourages me I put it in that folder, if I remember to do it. I keep it so sometimes when I'm low I can be encouraged with some recycled expressions of love.
Several years ago I was with someone who had severely injured themself in a fall. The Dr. was sewing up their hand. I held the other one, while the physician did his work. A couple of weeks later I got a card from that parishioner, thanking me. I put that card in the file-folder. I mentioned it in my message. I pointed out that part of the Job Description for pastors is "Holding the hands of folks whom Life has beaten up." I got another card today. I'll put it in my folder as soon as I'm finished with this.
One of my pastor friends who was present for my sermon said, "I loved 'Pastors hold people's hands when life beats them up.' So glad we have each other's hands for this journey." Me, too, Brother. Another pastor friend, my son, posted on his Facebook page today, "Just cannot express how important it is for pastors to make time to encourage other pastors. Thankful for ____ & for eggs&coffee."
Fellow pastors, if we are doing what we ought to do, as in serving under the chief Shepherd, we aren't in competition, we are all working for the same goal. lt can be lonely, let's be sure to encourage one another, whenever we can.
It's STTA.
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