Okay, I know … my blog has sucked lately! I’m inconsistent in my postings … I plan on changing that in the next few weeks, since this is one of the things that I am really enjoying. So, bear with me and thank you to those who have emailed asking when I am going to post again — it’s feels good to know that you miss these thoughts.
One of the blogs that inspires me is Carrie’s blog. The reason I enjoy it so much is her raw openness. Sometimes, the posts are very funny. Sometimes, they make me cry. But no matter what, they allow me to feel a little of her heart. And for some reason, that’s the kind of writing I enjoy the most: open, honest, no-holds-barred feelings. Some of what she writes could come back to haunt her, but she doesn’t care. She says what she’s feeling and leaves it at that.
I’m not good at doing that. Oh, I can share personal experiences in a sermon. That’s easy. Even if there are hundreds of people listening. To me, even though I may be sharing something very personal, that environment makes it impersonal. Not sure if you know what I mean by that, but it’s how I see it.
I’m a very private person. Very private. It is rare that someone will see me upset about something. I hide those emotions and do what is necessary to bring peace to every situation. When people are upset with me, I can be firm, but I also try to be understanding.
Being a pastor is full of amazing blessings. It is one of the most fulfilling experiences one can have. I know that in so many ways, I have the wonderful opportunity to touch people’s lives for the better. I help them grow, discover more about themselves, and learn to love others. I walk people through forgiveness and comfort them during painful times. Most amazing, I help people discover their own purpose — nothing is more fulfilling than that.
However, like most things, there is another side to being a pastor. It can be tough. You are “on duty” 24/7. You live in a glass house, where every move you make is monitored and questioned and challenged. Sometimes, when you try to do good, it backfires and people get upset with you. Choices in dress, friends, vehicles, music, movies, and pretty well every other area of life are open to criticism by some who feel they know better than you how you should behave. It comes with the territory. Some pastors handle it quite well. Others end up leaving ministry over it. I know more than a few friends who have become completely bitter towards everything to do with church because of these expectations.
Personally, I’ve come to just accept it. I don’t lose too much sleep over the negativity. I make my choices and simply accept that some wont like those choices. As far as I’m concerned, it’s their problem, not mine.
I guess I’m just trying to be open here. Carrie has inspired me to do so. I have the best job in the world, and I thank God often for it.
