You May Never Know It...

There's a many things you may not know when you pass by someone. Some are silent secrets that can never be spoken aloud. Others are like the air, shared by all yet assumed without a word. In opening up ourselves to one another, the tense vulnerability we wish to avoid actually serves to till the space between two bodies for the planting, nurturing, and harvest of a trusting relationship. 

You may never know it...

…but when you walk by without making eye contact or saying a word, your silence pierces my heart. 

    …but your short text message or brief phone call meant the world to me.

…but I don't have it all figured out. 

    …but I believe God is working something amazing in and through each of us. 

…but conversations—nearly all of them—replay through my mind over and again, as I wonder if I said something wrong. 

    …but that kind word you offered me about my sermon—though it's hard to accept it—really brightened up my day. 

…but I have days when I need someone else to be the person who tells me the good news. 

    …but sometimes I walk away from a visit feeling like I got more out of it than the other person.

…but I share some, if not many, of the same problems which you confide in me. 

    …but you continually affirm my calling  in this vocation. 

…but I blame myself for that family's absence on Sunday mornings—even if I know it's not my fault. 

    …but seeing you in worship warms my heart with exceeding joy. 

…but I, too, have my doubts from time to time. 

    …but it's ok that we are broken—because we're loved by God all the same. 

…but your criticism is a heavy burden I carry alongside many others. 

    …but when I say I'm blessed by you, I mean it more than you can imagine.

…but being a pastor can be one of the most stressful jobs. 

    …but being a pastor is some of the most beautiful work a person can be called to do.