Thursday
For more than a year I have met regularly with another pastor-friend. We share prayer and problems; successes and failures. It is a good meeting. I look forward to it. Sometimes we cancel due to ministry needs. Each time we do I feel cheated. The meetings are a safe place. I always leave feeling refreshed.
They continue even though I am no longer a pastor. That will cease once I leave for Mexico. My friend and I will both miss them. He will need another partner to confide in. So will I.This mist cannot hide
the old barn and willow tree--
friends who are dear
Pastors need a safe place to share their failures; their problems. Sharing with church members is not good. A church member shouldn't pastor the pastor. Most members assume the pastor to be strong. That is why they go to him with their cares. If they think him weak it is less likely they will share problems. They won't want to be a burden.
There is another problem sharing with members. When someone is making you crazy or angry you must keep it quiet. You don't want people to take sides. I learned that the hard way.
My friend's church is doing better than he realizes. He can only see the failures and is discouraged. We all make mistakes. He is no different. But he is very hard on himself. We all are, perhaps. I try to encourage him.
Depression and disillusionment are common among pastors. I have known a number who have left the pulpit. I am now one of them.
One cannot see songbirds
while gazing at the ground--
defeated warrior
I went shopping and bought too much food. More than I can eat.
Fresh loaves of bread
fish, fruit and vegetables--
a table for one.
Tomorrow I preach. Sooner than I thought a week ago. How long will it be until the next time?
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