Over the last few months, some challenging conversations were happening. Emotions were flying high, people were feeling hurt, discouraged, even angry. And I was getting caught up in it, worrying over what the outcome would be. “Don’t worry.” And she was right. She’s always right.
I don’t know why, but even though Pastor Janet reminds me to calm down on a near weekly basis, it really struck me that time. Maybe it’s because I’ve been reflecting more on my attitude and character, and realizing how much I admire and aspire to be like her. I don’t know if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of her ministry or have served with her, but she’s easily the hardest working person on staff and she never complains.
So what’s her secret? In my conversations with the handful of people who have served at ET for years (and often in multiple roles at the same time), what sustains them and protects them from burning out while “doing church” is that they don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Pastor Sam reminded us to be content. Pastor Tim goes back to Abraham’s call to be a blessing because God blessed him. “Count your blessings.” “Kingdom Perspective.” The fact that I’ve heard this put in so many different ways from so many people probably means something.
Annie