It Really is a Wonderful Life
January 1, 1996
It's hard being a pastor. If someone came to me with problems like mine, I'd feel sorry for him. My diary can't hold all the people who need to see me. My sermons don't seem to be appreciated, my hair's going gray, and I get home so late the dog eyes me suspiciously. It's easy to feel down. One of my recent "poor little me" daydreams was spoiled by the thought there might be some positives to ministry. So I wrote them down. Now I can't forget them, and I'm forced to admit my lot as a pastor isn't all bad. I'm in danger of enjoying the job. You can probably work out your own list, but here is my collection. - Speaking for Jesus
If I were a politician, I might be handling the nation's economy or international relations. If I were a lawyer, I'd be arguing my client's case in court or advising her about a will. If I dealt in real estate, I'd convince one person to sell his property and another to buy it.
During hard times, I've wished I had one of those occupations. But none offers what I have.
I may drive an old car and wonder how I'll ever afford to replace it. I may live in the city when my heart is more in the country. I may never hear my kids boast that their dad is high up in a large corporation. But I get to talk about Jesus, and there's nothing or no one I'd rather talk about. Week in, week out, I'm doing work that matters for eternity.
- Bringing people to faith
very Christian is a witness and called to bring people to faith, but I have opportunity to do so every day. I've knelt with people in my office, helping them trust Christ. I've watched others make their commitment by coming forward at the end of a service. I've sat at a kitchen table, leading a woman to faith while the children she was minding climbed all over her.
The work of spiritual midwifery never fails to fill me with awe.
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