I love being a pastor. I am so thankful for God’s calling. It can sometimes be discouraging. Sometimes it is very challenging. But I would not want to do anything else in the world. I could give you a thousand reasons, but let me share one with you.
It was a Sunday morning at church. It was a good morning. We had some first-time visitors and a family joined the church. Somebody gave me a chocolate-covered donut at some point during the morning. That always lifts my spirits!
Following the second service of worship, I stood at the front door greeting people as they exited. Someone told me of an upcoming surgery. Someone else commented on my sermon. Another person told me a quick joke. Somebody else asked me about a movie. Another person asked a question about her Sunday School lesson.
I could see in the corner of my eye a mother and her young daughter. They were patiently waiting for the congregation to file out.
Eventually the sanctuary was empty except for the mother and daughter. The mother said to me, “She wants to tell you something.” So I leaned forward to listen.
The young girl said, “I just want to tell you that yesterday I gave my heart to Jesus.” Well, that was the best news of the day. I gave her a hug and told her how proud I was of her.
Being a pastor has its ups and downs, but a brief conversation with a little girl reminded me why I love it so much.