The work of a shepherd is never done – whether it is in the home or in the church! I am grateful for the reminder that leading requires both “hard work� and “letting go.� At times I am tempted to work as if everything depended on me; other times I am tempted to “let go� prematurely. It is interesting how sleep can be either an expression of neglect or of faith! Without the experience of hard work, my letting go feels like a cop-out, an unwillingness to face the deeper challenges in ministry, an abdication. Without rest – and a release of my burden to Jesus - work becomes oppressive and caring becomes a chore.
For some reason, my congregation thinks that I work harder than I do! Despite my protests to the contrary, many persist in thinking that I am prone to overwork. I work an average of 44 hours/week – and yet my lay leaders regularly ask, “Are you sure you are taking enough time for your family?� I feel very blessed by this – and see it as expression of my flock’s love and care for their shepherd. I want to honour their trust – for the sake of my family, the church and the kingdom of God.
In the end, I am accountable to the Chief Shepherd of the flock. I praise God that he is the sleepless one – and not me.
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