Living a public life is no fun – it’s like living in a fish bowl or under a microscope. Trust me; no one looks good under a microscope. But there are certain people who have made it all bearable. They are “encouragers.”I believe God sends certain people into a pastor’s life who have the gift and ministry of encouragement. These people do more for a pastor’s emotional well-being than words can describe. They are gifts from God.
Let me share a few things that some people in the PCC family have done to encourage me:
- When someone honors Renae (my wife), it impresses me deeply. From time-to-time certain individuals will drop a note to her expressing their appreciation for her friendship, or to say “well done” for the good job she does in music/worship. These gestures do not go unnoticed.
- Someone has been paying for my haircuts. I use a particular barber in Pace and some wonderful person in our church family keeps picking up the tab. Yes, I can afford my own haircut and I still generously tip my barber – but the impact of this gift speaks volumes to me.
- Someone bought me a gift card to Starbucks! Yea!
- I received an e-mail from a lady who really seemed to understand the demanding pressures of the ministry. She not only offered to help, but actually did something to assist me. Amazing.
- About seven months ago a group of people got together and gave Renae and I a gift card to Crabs Restaurant on Pensacola Beach – it also included a free overnight stay in the Hilton Garden Inn. This meant the world to us.
- I receive handwritten notes on a regular basis from people in our church family offering me encouragement. On hard days, I pull these out, read them again, regain my bearings, and get back to doing what God has called me to do.
The lesson I have learned? A well-time “thank you” from someone can lift me for days.