I was heading up Highway 65 this morning to visit the proud parents of a new baby girl. While driving, I made a call to another couple who sadly lost their baby the day before. After the call ended, the obvious irony hit me. But this, as I am learning, is the life of a pastor. It is not uncommon to both rejoice and mourn within any given day. Being a successful pastor requires finding a balance. You must love your people enough to hurt with them, but then again, you must also have the ability to separate your pastoral duties from your home life, lest you live under a never ending burden.
The story above, of the two precious babies, hits close to home for me. Rachel and I have now experienced both in our marriage... the joy of a new baby (twice), and the heartbreak of a lost baby (once). My own experiences make both of the above scenarios a little more real. There are few things I enjoy more than rejoicing with new parents over the birth of a baby. On the other hand, few things draw more empathy from me, than the loss of a baby.
As I considered both these couples today, I was struck by the honor it is to shepherd a flock... to be there for people through good times and bad. I find as I get further along in ministry (8 years now), that this shepherding aspect of pastoring grows on me. To be honest, my favorite aspect of pastoring is administration. Teaching/preaching comes after that. Ministry/shepherding is probably my weakest point. It doesn't mean I don't love my people, because I truly do. But if I am honest, it is the area I have the most room for improvement. But I am also guessing, that as I experience more of life (i.e. baby example) that this aspect of pastoring will become more natural, and less forced. Any of my elder pastors have thoughts on this?
If I am not mistaken, there are only five of us pastors under the age of 30 in the Missouri Baptist Convention. If you are one, will you add a comment to this posting? I would like to know your thoughts on this subject too!
Quick hits . . . Had some freaky clouds pass over Ozark on Saturday. For the second time since we've lived here, I witnessed a funnel cloud extend toward the ground, although thankfully, it didn't do any damage. Both times, the potential tornado was a few miles north of us . . . Had to turn around and go to church a different way Sunday, because a little creek was raging over the road! The rain this summer has been crazy! Once again, the floods will mean no fishing for a few days . . . I like Eric Ludwick, a reserve outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Last night, he made a diving catch in right field. His bat has got some pop too. I think he's a quality bench guy, even on a good team. (Which the Cardinals are not at this point.) . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!