What a Good Shepherd We Have

As I look back on our life since we've been married, its amazing to me how God has brought us to where we are today. Both physically (location) and spiritually. As I look back on journey we've been on thus far, I marvel at God's leadership and how His ways truly are the BEST. Our first pastorate was very rough and caused allot of heartache and sleepless nights. At the time we were so disheartened and crushed that we almost left the ministry. However, had we not had that pastorate, we would never have ended up here at Keepville and being here has been a joy beyond description. These last 4.5 years here have been worth every tear we shed before. God led us to a church here that is full of people who undeniably love us as they do their own children and grandchildren. Not only do they love us but they love our children. And, while that seems to be cliche' - it means allot to a pastor and his wife when their children are accepted and loved - DESPITE of their imperfections.

This month has been Pastor Appreciation Month across America. No doubt most of you reading this entry honored your pastor and his family. Our church has always done their best for us from day 1 but this month they completely blew us away (hypothetically) with their expressions of love. Each Sunday this month they did something different to show us how much we are loved. The thing that stood out to me the most was that alothough they could not afford to give us an extra paycheck or a new car or send us on a cruise to the Bahamas, they did THEIR best and as a result, their expression touched us all the more.

This Sunday they made us come up front to sit then proceeded to present, "This is your life". They had pictures up all the way across the front of the church. They had asked our families to contribute pictures from birth til we left home. Our families also contributed funny and sentimental stories about us from our childhood. Once that was completed, then the congregation was invited to participate. There were 9 or 10 who stood and said funny and sentimental things to us/about us. We went from crying to laughing and back several times. When that was complete then everyone came around and hugged us then went to look at Pastor and Mrs. Pastor when they were babies. :-) The sweet words that were whispered in my ear by my dear church family will be treasured for the rest of my life.

God truly leads us best if we will only let Him.