Burned out

This morning I find myself up way too early and burned out.  The events of the past four weeks have been like a gauntlet and I am hesitant to even take a step today for fear I will trip another land mine.  It’s been a wild ride, and nothing fun about it.

Yesterday we buried another strong servant of God at Ebenezer.  Yes, Geneva Tolson had been sick for several years now.  But I remember not so long ago when she was hard at work building the kingdom of God in the ways she could.  Once again, I hurt for her family and I wonder who God will send to take her place.  While we were finishing Geneva’s funeral, another funeral started 100 miles away.  It was for the mother of my good friend, Richard Hooss.  I was thankful Ed assisted with that funeral and was able to be there for the Hooss family.  (If the plural of goose is geese, is the plural of Hooss “Heese?”  I’ve asked Richard that question before … He says yes.)

Oscar Holland said something at Geneva’s funeral that struck a chord with me.  He talked about how he’d seen people full of kindness and grace at Ebenezer, and remarked that Ebenezer had many people who fit that description.  Maybe more than any other church he’d seen.

I’ve seen that in the last month, too.  I’ve seen families full of graciousness and mercy, even when mourning the loss of someone they love.  Even in the tough times of dealing with death.  And that has blessed me.

And, in spite of all of the baggage that comes with being a pastor, the grace, mercy, and love of the people of Ebenezer will be what pulls me through.  And I’ll do my best, in my imperfect ways, to pull you through.  As will the staff of EBC.

And for that I am thankful.