So ends a week of crises

I begin every week in solitude, catching up from the week before and trying to put some order to the coming week. Last week, the order lasted all of about five minutes, yet I think my week was exactly what it needed to be. I was riding the rapids, not knowing what was coming next, but it was exactly as it needed to be. I'm completely drained. Two funerals, a friend at Richview who almost died last Monday night, and some friends going through very deep personal crises, another with a marriage in crisis. It's humbling that the times I've been most needed this week have been the times I could do nothing but be present and listen. No words, no advice, just the gift of my time and my ear. Who knows what this week will hold.

Comments

[James]

Maybe not this week, but maybe next week holds a chance to have coffee with James! Seriously, if you want someone else to listen while you talk for a change, I'm available next Wednesday through Friday. Or after...

[phil]

I wish I could have a coffee with you. Hang in there mate.

[Jim]

Hi Darryl, It's amazing how ministry and its rigors affect people differently. I wouldn't care if I ever did another wedding! Between pre-marital stuff, the rehearsal, a whole day (usually) on wedding day and the sameness of so much of it, I've often wondered about my stewardship of time when it comes to doing so many ceremonies. This past year my associate got his clergy registration number and is now doing half of the weddings for people in our church. Funerals? That's another story. In some twisted way funerals energize me. I feel needed and useful and evangelistically potent. Strange, eh? In the meantime, hang in there and get with one of us for coffee. Encouraging words and platitudes only do so much. That said, here's something of a platitude that is really meant for your encouragement: Most of the challenging and draining times in my ministry have seemed exhausting at the time, but in hindsight have been some of my most treasured (and growing) occasions. Drove past Richview on Sunday morning. I was guest preaching at the Westway church just up the road from you! Said a prayer for you as I drove by. For what it's worth, Jim