Ah!
That’s the sound of a well-rested pastor after a good week’s vacation. I’ve just come off that week and feel rested, satisfied and ready to get back at it today. I had a substantive list of projects at home to get through, so we didn’t go anywhere…well, almost nowhere.
Last Tuesday was my 55th birthday, so Ann, who had not houses to clean that day, suggested we travel. So, off to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN. What a fascinating site and a great time. Prior to that, we had lunch at Slippery’s, featured in ‘Grumpy Old Men‘ (no, it’s an old movie with Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau filmed in Wabasha, not my autobiography!). Following the viewing of the eagle’s, we made our way up the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River, observing God’s glory in creation in this fall season. Our final destination was Pazzaluna Restaurant in downtown St. Paul (it’s a long story, but we’ve been there before and truly enjoy it). It was a wonderful day to turn 55!
Yesterday’s Lord’s Day saw us worshiping at Bethany EFC in Houston, MN, where David Wiersbe pastors. I’ve had the delightful privilege of installing David as pastor of two churches, most recently at Bethany earlier this year. He led us in a meaningful time of congregational prayer, something I’ll most certainly seek to replicate at Cornerstone EFC sometime in the near future. While Bethany is not quite half the size of Cornerstone, it was a delight to worship with them. The message was from 1 Corinthians 10.1–14. Pastor Wiersbe did a masterful job with the text, bringing in the gospel several times. I had the privilege of visiting briefly with Dr. Robert Culver following the service. This is a man of God who has served his Lord for many years. I would love to be able to sit with this humble servant and just listen to him talk, tell stories and teach.
An ‘old’ pastoral acquaintance of mine, Paul Burr, preached at Cornerstone in my absence. I’ve yet to listen to the audio, but from what has been reported to me, it was a Christ-exalting message. Paul’s daughter, Abby, has become fast friends with our youngest Elizabeth (that’s another post for another time, but what a God-send she has been) and they came back to Rochester from Winona to hear Paul preach.
I still have found it difficult to completely let all things church-related go when I’m on vacation, especially if I don’t travel far away. It’s just not possible for me, even after 28+ years of ministry. There are factors that make this harder…my forgetfulness or neglect at making sure all areas are covered, knowing that some will come through, others may not, etc. So, I could add to my list of ‘You Know You’re a Small Church Pastor When…’ but I’ll let it go for now.
So, I’m back and glad to be so. Praise the Lord for good rest.
