“I happen to be a pastor, but unbeknownst to the world, I am not only that. Sadly, there exists a huge temptation in my vocation to overly spiritualize and worship our work, as some holier than holy endeavor, which easily results in the neglect of family, self, and God. While I enjoy being a somewhat semi-professional witness to God’s glory and grace to those I shepherd and the communities I serve, I am not obsessed with it. Oddly enough, perhaps quietly or subconsciously, some people expect their pastor to make an idol of his or her work, but I believe that this anonymous adage applies pretty equally to everyone: “No one ever said on their deathbed: “I wish I would have spent more time at work!”
My life isn’t primarily about preparing sermons, discussing budgets and buildings, and praying. I don’t daydream about how to increase my church’s worship attendance. I am happy to point people to Christ like John the Baptist, but it is bad news to serve as someone’s functional savior. Ultimately, I am just a dude trying to do his job well without being consumed by it. I would submit that mine is a uniquely taxing and complex job, most definitely, but it doesn’t abound with transcendent bliss the way that people sometimes think. Angels don’t prepare my morning oatmeal and the taxman cometh for me like everyone else.
These photos remind me that I am not what I do. I am much more. I love going bowling with my wife, even though we aren’t good at it. But then again, I love relaxing at home with her as well. Basically, any time spent with her is special and fun in my book. I accept that aside from salvation in Christ, nothing in life is guaranteed. No experience exists in perpetuity. There are interruptions and hiccups, and devastation as well as unfathomable joy. My aim is to be an active participant in the life that I have been gifted, rather than sitting on the sidelines babysitting my fears.
Maybe one day I will become a pastor who also does personal training, or bakes, or leads outdoor expeditions to Montana for city-slickers. Maybe I will pen a bestseller or learn to play the drums. Maybe I will become a photographer. Who knows? Whatever happens, I never want to stop dreaming and investing in myself like I invest so much in others. I shudder to think that I have any chance at helping others if I am not leading by example in pursuing a healthy, balanced life.”
