Disappointed
I usually begin my week at Starbucks. I spend Monday mornings thinking through my week, reflecting on the day before, and writing out my sermon from Sunday to send out by e-mail. It’s a good way to ease into the week. It’s Thursday afternoon, and I’ve decided to go to Starbucks again. I’m feeling like I need to withdraw from the office for the rest of the afternoon. I’ve got some work I can take with me. It’s usually a lot more fun with a cup of hot coffee, some background music, and lots of people milling around. I’m a little disappointed. I know someone’s going to comment about how naive I am, or how I should glady accept whatever people want to say, etc. But I’m still disappointed. I posted earlier about the joint e-mail we sent out this week regarding an issue in our denomination. I’ve seen some of the responses, from people who agree with us, and from people who don’t. Most of them are respectful, and I welcome them, even the ones that strongly disagree with the position that we’ve taken. But there have been a few – just a few, no more – that drip with pride and hostility. I know I should have expected as much, but are these few really pastors? How do we reconcile the tone of our communication with who we’re supposed to be? Understand, I’m not taking issue with those who disagree with me. That’s fair game. I’m talking about those who state opinions in such a way, that even if I agreed with them, I’d cringe. So, I’m disappointed. I’m trying to remind myself that I should look at the bigger picture, at the majority who have the grace and wisdom who earn respect through the way they communicate. I’m a little concerned for the few who don’t, but I’m sure I’ll feel a little bit better with a little time and some good coffee. Update: Just remembered a quote from Larry Osborne: “Even if you’re quarrelsome about the right things, you’re still quarrelsome.”