Preaching Again

I am once again serving a church that I served as an Interim in 2010.   Now, however, I am only Pulpit Supply.  The congregation is between pastors, and without a pastor, so I am temporarily filling in until they get their next Interim.    I always thought that I would love preaching on Sunday and working from home, without all the other responsibilities.  But truthfully, no such thing exists.  Other church needs creep in, as to be expected.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a really special experience, a most memorable affirmation.   I recognized that the clergywoman who is the President of the Council of Churches was visiting in worship that day.   She also serves as the Chaplain at the College nearby.    After the service,  I made a point to seek her out and greet her and welcome her.

And she made a point of telling me how gifted she thinks I am.   Usually, I just sluff off any sort of kind remark, but she was very specific in mentioning the tone of voice,  the content of the overall message,  its impact,  the manner of the delivery.  Somehow, I was really able to hear that in a way I usually am not.   I think it meant so much because such kind remarks do not often come from clergy colleagues, at least in my experience.  Clergy tend to be quite restrained in their praise, as a rule.  But this woman gave me a really special blessing that day,  one I was able to fully receive.

I will long remember her words.   The real impact came from the insight that what I do is a gift from God.  I am an instrument.  Or as Mother Teresa once said:   "I am a pencil of God writing love letters to the world."   I love that image.