Actually the title should be "2 Weddings and a Funeral," but it isn't as catchy...even if it is almost a movie title!
(points for anyone who can tell me who sings that song (in the title) {except Beth...I know she know!})
I have to say that this past week was the one of the most emotionally and physically draining in my pastoral career. Let me give you the details and then I will elaborate.
Friday (March 26th) - Daniel asks if I can perform his sister's wedding (on Tuesday!)
Saturday - Churches 1st annual Easter Egg hunt!
Sunday - Church (Sermon #1)
Monday - Get ready for Lynn & Johnny's wedding
Bible Study
Tuesday - Patrick's visit with his mom (Beth took him)
Soccer Practice for Maggie's Team (5:00pm)
Lynn & Johnny's Wedding (6:00pm)
Wednesday - Easter Planning Meeting (9:30am)
Noah says bye to his kids and leave for Saudi (9:30am)
Get a call about the death of Ezra (10:30am) He was 98!
Tell his Granddaughters who were in the meeting
Go meet family as they are taking Ezra to the hospital.
Thursday - Drive 2 hours to a wedding Rehearsal (8:30am)
Drive 2 hours for Patrick's court hearing (12:00pm)
Get ready for Communion Service that night (5:00pm)
Finish writing Ceremony for Wedding (9:00pm)
Friday - Get things ready for wedding (9:00am)
Leave for Wedding in Gilroy (2:00pm)
Wedding (Sermon # 3) (6:00pm - 8:45pm)
Drive 2 hours, pickup kids, get home (11:00pm)
Finish sermon for Ezra's Funeral (11:00pm)
Saturday - Get ready for Funeral (8:00am)
Funeral visitation at church (9:30am)
Funeral for Ezra (Sermon #4) (11:00am)
Finish Sermon for Easter (5:00pm)
Sunday - Get baptistry ready for morning service (6:00am)
Easter Breakfast at Church (9:30am)
Easter Service (Sermon #5) (11:00am)
Baptize 2 people!!!!
Eat Amazing food at Carla's Grandma's house (1:00pm)
Go to Sleep (4:00pm)
So the biggest thing I learned through all of this actually sounds a bit "new-age-y." But I think it is still true. I come to realize that I am more of a tour guide through life. I don't say that to belittle any of the experiences of those I spent time with this past week, but I really was at these events for moral support and guidance. I tend to be too self-deprecating, and I know that God's word is authoritative and because of that people tend to give pastors more authority than they deserve. But taking all of that into consideration, I simply was a helper or "guide" for those who needed it this week. I helped 2 couples understand the role of God in their marriages. I helped Ezra's family remember the promises that scripture gives us on life after death. I was able to help 2 people make a public profession of their faith when they were baptized. Beth, Maggie, and I are helping Patrick have a safe place to grow up...and hopefully give him a place to mature into a God-honoring Man.
So, through all of these events, I get to live vicariously through those I am helping. I think that is what it means to be a shepherd or pastor. I grieve when others grieve, I get excited when others are experiencing joy. I get to remind people why our existence on this planet matters and that following the way of Jesus brings fulfillment beyond any worldly understanding can.
I am glad I am back to just Monday bible study and Sunday sermon preparation. It is nice to be back on normal pace, but I can't wait for the next surprise...God is good all the time...All the time, God is good!
3 comments:
Beck
Daniel beat me to it, but I concur with "Beck"
Awesome post, by the way. Instead of tour guide, I'd promote you up to "deliverer of God's message" to those who need it. You're not just the person who memorized the verses and repeats them at the right time. You listen to God and share what He says to you. You show God's love. God knows the rest of us would have a hard time giving up our precious lives to tend to the needs of so many people all the time. You are self-deprecating, but God can still use you :)
I love your random reference!
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