Did you know that according to LibrarySupportStaff.com, that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month? National Popcorn month? International Dinosaur month? Diversity Awareness month? National Stamp Collecting month? Yet, somewhere I heard that October is also Pastor Appreciation month….I wonder why they don’t mention that?? LibrarySupportStaff.com and/or your church might not know that October is Pastor Appreciation month….but I am pretty sure that you are definately aware of it.
Many of you and your husbands will be showered with “attaboys” and “sussys” (that is what I affectionately call gifts, surprises, etc.) and cards and encouragements to let you know just how much you are loved and appreciated. Your church consistently communicates to you, not just during the month of October but during each and every month, that God is using you mightily and that they are thankful for the time and love and sacrifice and service you so willingly pour out.
However, there are some of you who each year as October approaches wonders if this will finally be the year that your church does something to recognize your husband. You would be thankful for just one card from someone who says they are praying for you all. Just a word of encouragement. Something. Anything. And yet the month goes by again without a word.
What are we to do? We have options. We can pout and get discouraged and depressed and maybe even bitter and angry. Or we can know, Biblically, that “our labor is not in vain in the Lord”. That “whatsoever we do, do it unto the Lord and not unto man”.
Here’s an idea. Whether you are in the first group mentioned above….totally lavished upon….or the second group….feeling totally put upon….why don’t YOU do something for another pastor and their wife/family? Why should we think that the appreciation has to come from "them" and not "us"? If you are in a multiple staff church….do something special for the other ministers/pastors and wives/families. If you are the only one on staff at your church….why not bless another pastor in your association or city? Or bless a minister’s family that you know of.
There are countless things that we could do….ideas that are not costly or difficult. Would you share with us any ideas and/or suggestions you have with us so we can be a blessing to another? There are lots of days left in October....go for it!!
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3 comments:
Thanks for the reminder and encouragement. Now, the money savings tips from Vickie's blog can help us do something nice for less:)
Last year was the 4th year in a row that my husband did not get so much as a verbal "thank you" during October. It hurt my feelings to the point I was beginning to get bitter. The Lord showed me that a "Pastor Appreciation Gift" didn't have to come from the congregation!! My husband is my pastor & my kids' pastor!! So we got a gift and prepared a special meal in his honor. It was one of the most special events to date!
That's sweet and a great idea to get our children involved. Are there any more great ideas out there??
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