I suppose most of the people who will bother to read this blog post know that it is Pastor Appreciation month. The Itawamba Christian Church people really got the memo on this celebration and again this year, Camille and I are enjoying a daily offering of appreciation from different folks within the congregation. October has always been a special month to me with respect to ministry because it marks the anniversary of my being ordained into the Ministry of Christ. It was October 16, 1983 at my home church, First Christian Church of Garnett, KS.
Today, just like clockwork, another congregant dropped by my study at the Church building to drop off a beautiful gift and to express their gratitude and appreciation. Something clicked this morning in my brain that got me to do something I haven’t done in a very long time.
I have a file in my desk that consists of literally dozens and dozens of notes, thank you cards, and remembrances from significant moments during my years of ministry. Many of these written messages accompanied another token of love that has since either been spent or has been consumed. What’s left is the written testimony of lives I have had the privilege to touch in the name of King Jesus. I am deeply humbled as I think about it and took the time to read them. Some were written nearly 40 years ago and some as recent as this year. Some, I must honestly say I don’t remember as I suspect they were from a family member of a loved one who’s funeral I officiated at. Some celebrated gratitude for helping them sort out a problem and some expressed gratitude for leading them to and through the waters of baptism. These remembrances had postmarks from Texas, New York, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. My eyes are moist just thinking about it but then I came to one that took me over the edge!
The card was from when I was ordained and it was given to me by my mom and dad. Inside the card was the Bible verse found in Revelation 2:10 that says “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.” Also included inside it were words from each of my parents. My mom wrote “We love you and wish you much happiness and contentment in your work for our Lord”. My dad simply wrote “Always be true, Love, Dad”.
It is amazing how these scraps of paper how such an effect upon me. I suppose it wouldn’t surprise you to learn the my “love language” is the written word. Thinking about how powerful the words are to me, given how God made me, got me thinking about how powerful our efforts to express gratitude and appreciation might be to those we reach out to. Not everyone is like me and the effect felt from the written word might not be as powerful. Perhaps we should set out on a quest to best know those around us so we can not only express our feelings to them but be also able to do it in the most powerful way possible. Imagine how much smoother the body of Christ might function with the oil of gratitude and appreciation being applied.
After 39 years, I have a file in my study and one at home. You never know when you might need it to remember the successes and lives touched. Today, my heart is full with gratitude for the often maligned Body of Christ, the Church. For all her faults and failings, the faithful still remain and being true, knowing that is the right way and that God will richly reward that kind of a life strategy.
And yes, each of the many cards received this month will find their way into one of the files to be remembered and celebrated in the future. Thanks for being the kind of people who express your appreciation to those seeking to labor for Christ in vocation ministry.
Wayne says
Thanks Brother Tony! Gods plan is truly amazing, and we are blessed we get to see it with you and Camille. Thanks for all you do!