Michael
09-20-2004, 09:47 PM
This weekend my wife was away at a women's retreat for the North Pacific conference of our denomination. She enjoyed fellowship with a couple hundred women.
While she was gone, I took my sons to our church's "daughter church". I really appreciate the pastor there. He is so genuine.
Even though we do not attend there, and only visit about once a quarter, he called me recently to ask how my MRI went. So, after the service this Sunday, he came over to talk to me. It was amusing because as he approached, from the way he was moving his arms, that he was not sure if he should give me a hug or not. We did the handshake and other hand on the shoulder compromise.
Anyway, I thanked him for his call and updated him on my condition. He told me he would pray. Then I said, "actually there's something more important that I'd like you to pray about." I told him that I had been wrestling with God like Jacob. I told him a little about my recent struggles, and about how God is gently but firmly urging me to step it up a little, and to draw closer to Him. This brought on a quick, empassioned conversation. He knew exactly what I was talking about and we just really clicked. I even had to cut him off so that people who had been waiting patiently could talk to him. But he asked if we could get together for lunch. I gave him my work number.
Since I have become a Christian, my closest Christian friends have generally been pastors. My wife has some theories about why this is. It has to do with heart and unwillingness to settle for superficial Christianity, etc. But it's been seven years since I've been in a church where I felt any connection whatsoever with any of the pastoral staff. Now here's a new opportunity for friendship with a man who is also passionate about growing closer to Christ, who also knows the ache of longing for more, but also rejoices in the confidence we can have in His love for us.
So, that one little conversation has done so much for me. To feel truly heard and understood, even in a short five minute conversation, was thrilling. To feel that we really connected on a soul to soul level so quickly is really a God thing, at least in my mind.
I see the beginning of a new friendship, a possibly one which can be based on a mutual hunger for God. I have other friendships like that, and I cherish them. For men to connect in a way where it is safe for them to be real is such a gift. I don't care about cars or tools or golf. :)
One last thing. A few months ago, maybe even last year, I sent this pastor an e-mail, telling him that I would like to get to know him better. He never responded. I figured that since I wasn't a member of his church that this was not surprising. I surrendered it to God. I figured if God wanted he and I to be friends, He would work it out. So I have not pursued it since then. So, it was that much more gratifying to feel that connection last Sunday.
In His Grace,
Michael
While she was gone, I took my sons to our church's "daughter church". I really appreciate the pastor there. He is so genuine.
Even though we do not attend there, and only visit about once a quarter, he called me recently to ask how my MRI went. So, after the service this Sunday, he came over to talk to me. It was amusing because as he approached, from the way he was moving his arms, that he was not sure if he should give me a hug or not. We did the handshake and other hand on the shoulder compromise.
Anyway, I thanked him for his call and updated him on my condition. He told me he would pray. Then I said, "actually there's something more important that I'd like you to pray about." I told him that I had been wrestling with God like Jacob. I told him a little about my recent struggles, and about how God is gently but firmly urging me to step it up a little, and to draw closer to Him. This brought on a quick, empassioned conversation. He knew exactly what I was talking about and we just really clicked. I even had to cut him off so that people who had been waiting patiently could talk to him. But he asked if we could get together for lunch. I gave him my work number.
Since I have become a Christian, my closest Christian friends have generally been pastors. My wife has some theories about why this is. It has to do with heart and unwillingness to settle for superficial Christianity, etc. But it's been seven years since I've been in a church where I felt any connection whatsoever with any of the pastoral staff. Now here's a new opportunity for friendship with a man who is also passionate about growing closer to Christ, who also knows the ache of longing for more, but also rejoices in the confidence we can have in His love for us.
So, that one little conversation has done so much for me. To feel truly heard and understood, even in a short five minute conversation, was thrilling. To feel that we really connected on a soul to soul level so quickly is really a God thing, at least in my mind.
I see the beginning of a new friendship, a possibly one which can be based on a mutual hunger for God. I have other friendships like that, and I cherish them. For men to connect in a way where it is safe for them to be real is such a gift. I don't care about cars or tools or golf. :)
One last thing. A few months ago, maybe even last year, I sent this pastor an e-mail, telling him that I would like to get to know him better. He never responded. I figured that since I wasn't a member of his church that this was not surprising. I surrendered it to God. I figured if God wanted he and I to be friends, He would work it out. So I have not pursued it since then. So, it was that much more gratifying to feel that connection last Sunday.
In His Grace,
Michael