Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? It’s one of those things that I tend to lump with all of the other Hallmark-invented “holidays.†Which, translated, means that I don’t really pay too much attention to them….and usually end up forgetting all about them.
But, still…
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.†–1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV)
So, before this month is over, I wanted to take a minute to share my appreciation for my pastor….
He has not written a book or headlined a conference. And, our church is quite small. In fact, both are very much in the shadows of more recognizable names and buildings.
But, as his wife, I have a front row seat to the hours of study and sermon preparation…the countless meetings and counseling sessions…the urgent, middle-of-the-night texts, emails, and phone calls…the interrupted vacations, days off, family dinners, birthday parties…the hospital visits…the prayers…the tears…the discouragement…the joys…the heartbreak…the love…
And, while he may not be known outside of our small circles of friends, family, and church…if you are – or ever have been – a part of those circles, I can say with confidence that you have been faithfully prayed for, and fervently loved.
He has not sacrificed his family on the altar of the church…nor the church on the altar of family. He is faithful in his calling to love and lead both with integrity, kindness, and humility…from a heart that that loves the Lord, above all else.
No, he isn’t perfect, but he is real. What you see (in the pulpit on Sunday), is what you get (in our home throughout the week). It is a privilege and a blessing to learn from him, to live life with him, and to minister to and alongside him.
