Show appreciation
Contributing writer
What august authority decrees all the special days, weeks and months we are constantly hearing about, such as Secretary's Day, Grandparents' Day, Older Americans' Month and National Pickle Day? A few years ago I happened to be subbing at an area school on Secretary's Day. As I walked past the kitchen on my way to my classroom, I overheard one of the cooks ask the other, "When are they going to have Cook's Appreciation Day?"
I told her, "The week before they have Substitute Teacher Day."
Somehow I feel sure if I declared a Free Lance Writer's Day, nobody except me would celebrate it. Of course, I don't suppose many celebrate National Pickle Day either.
I began musing on this question when the "Focus on the Family" insert in my church bulletin reminded me that October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Sometimes church members may need an annual reminder to appreciate their pastors. I have noticed that we are often too ready to criticize in a pastor tiny faults and foibles we would not even notice in somebody else. I once told a friend I was sure we would get a perfect pastor one day — right after we become a perfect church.
I suppose everyone who has been a member of his church for a long time could point to a special pastor who was his favorite. Since God made each person unique, we don't bond with everyone in the same way. Those special ties are precious. However, I have noticed that God sends our church the pastor we need at a given time. Perhaps he has a talent needed to develop some part of the church program which should be strengthened. Perhaps he can find the right approach to bring a particular person into the church, when another pastor could not.
I truly believe everyone in our church appreciates our pastor and his wife. Most of us like Pastor Wiens so well we don't even mind when his sermon runs a bit long or when he demands to see the bulletin from wherever we went to church last Sunday. (Just kidding, Pastor Curt.) I wonder, however, how often we find ways to show or express our appreciation. Naming a month may give us that nudge we need to send a card or make a phone call to say, "Our church is really fortunate to have you."
Pastors are a special breed. With the same amount of education they could become doctors or lawyers and join the affluent class. Instead they choose a comparatively low-paying career, because they feel God's call to service. Although most pastors designate a "day off" when they may not be in their office, they are really on call 24-7 if someone in the congregation has a crisis. Most of them take on chores some of the laymen could (and probably should) do. Surely showing our appreciation one month out of the year is a small return for all that.
All of us thrive on appreciation. Occasionally people tell me they really enjoy this column. Although I may be surprised, I am also very pleased. One college friend even sent me stamps to mail her copies. Now that is a fan!
When October comes in a few days, show and/or tell your pastor he is loved and valued. It will make you both feel good. Actually, you are not forbidden to express your appreciation in February or August; nor are you required to limit your appreciation to your pastor. If we all voiced our love and appreciation for others every time we felt it, wouldn't we all be happier?
