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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Leadership (03/14/05)
The weariness, the heavy heart, and the hopelessness had settled in inexorably. His spoon circled slowly in the cup of coffee in front of him. He wondered if he could drink it. The fragrant steam rising from the cup held no interest for him.

One of the deacons had called it burnout. “You need a vacation, John. That’s all.” It had only been four weeks since his last vacation – and he hadn’t wanted to come back. It had taken every ounce of strength he had to get on the plane to come home. Even Judy was feeling it. A little furrow on her forehead and that worried expression on her face showed her concern. She was trying to be a cheerleader, but it wasn’t working.

When had the weight gotten so heavy? When had the joy of serving become a burden? A year ago everything seemed to be going so well. The church was growing, and writing the sermon every week had been an exciting challenge. His flock was thriving, and people were coming to Christ.

Now, although the same things were happening, he saw beneath the surface. His counseling sessions had tripled and he wondered if people were even listening to God’s Word. How could they be when they were acting in direct disobedience? Marriages were falling apart due to infidelity. Fathers were choosing to watch TV and leave family devotions to their wives. One of the trustees had a pregnant daughter and the family had chosen an abortion so that no one would know. It went on and on. He was a failure. Somehow he hadn’t gotten the truth across.

The phone rang. “John, its Ada Werdlow. She’s asking you to visit.” Said Judy.

Wearily he nodded. Ada was 81, and he’d visited her occasionall over the years. She was a smart old lady who knew her Bible, and he actually enjoyed their visits, but today he just didn’t feel like it. However, out of habit, he put on his jacket and went/

He found Ada propped up in bed with her Bible open. Grinning, she greeted him. “Pastor John! You’re a sight for sore eyes.” She beckoned him to sit.

“Pastor, have you ever wanted to just throw down the tablets and break ‘em?” she asked. He sat still, wondering if she’d gotten senile.

“What do you mean, Ada?” he asked.

“I’ve been readin’ about Moses lately. I got to the part where Moses goes up the mountain to git the Ten Commandments. He gits these tablets - written with God’s own finger, mind - and he comes down all excited, with a holy glow. And what does he find? His flock is dancin’ around a golden calf. Well, he’s so mad; he jest throws those tablets down! Breaks ‘em into pieces! Ever git to feelin’ that way about your flock, Pastor John? Ever wonder why ya even try?”

It felt like she was reading his mind – his heart. Was this a message meant for him, or was it a coincidence?

Ada chuckled. “I’ve been in this bed a long time, Pastor John. I spend a lot of time prayin’ for folks. Seems like God’s been puttin’ you on my mind a whole lot lately. I read this passage today and God says to me, ‘Ada, ya ought to call Pastor John and remind him about this’ – so I jest did like I was told. Ya know, Pastor, those people jest drove Moses crazy, but he loved ‘em and felt responsible for ‘em. He prayed for ‘em and got ‘em out of trouble more than once! Moses was feelin’ pretty low about that calf. But don’t forget, Pastor John, by and by - after they wandered and sinned, and some of ‘em died - well their kids did finally get to that Promised Land.

You just do what ya been called to do, Pastor John. Let the good Lord worry about the rest. That’s right, you jest lay that burden down.”

She patted his hand. She was done talking and turned to take a nap. Pastor John had come in weary, but as he left, he felt his spirit lift. God knew. He understood. In order to lead his flock, John just had to follow the Shepherd.
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This article has been read 1388 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Leticia Caroccio
03/21/05
The Bible says that we are to pray for our leaders. Our pastors work tirelessly and endlessly. We, their flock, must lift them up to the Father everyday. I loved the tone you set with Sister Ada, bedridden but very wise and used of God. Nicely done.
Lynne Cox
03/21/05
Sometimes it takes someone else to teach us the things we need to know to go on! This was well-written and the characters well-developed for a short piece.
Kathy Bruins
03/21/05
This truly speaks to what many ministry leaders deal with so often. Thank you!
Kyle Chezum
03/21/05
Good job! This story portrays the burden of leadership in a very real way. The sentences flowed well, and the dialouge was crisp. Keep writing!
Dixie Phillips
03/22/05
Being a pastor's wife this article speaks volumes to me. Bless you for showing how the "ministry" side lives.
Nancy Hardy
03/23/05

A great and timely piece. More than ever, in this day, is it evident that spiritual leaders need to look to the Shepherd and carry on. But, may we as a flock, support them as Ada did, in prayer and wise counsel. Wonderful entry- Nancy
donna robinson
03/26/05
You really got to the heart of the pastor and his voice was so tired I wanted to lay down with him! I truly believe that Pastors need a prayer team just for them. I loved the way you showed that God doesn't forget us, sends angels to step in with us when we are weary.
Delores Baber
03/28/05
What a great article! I love the fact that when we get discouraged God will send another saint across our paths with a timely word to help us refocus our priorities. Loved the ending. It always gets Christian leaders off course when they aren't following the shepherd of the sheep. The hands that wrate this come from a very gifted and wise person. Thanks.
Karen Treharne
03/30/05
Great writing, Karen. A joy to read and a wonderful reminder for us to pray for our spiritual leaders to stay strong in their faith and purpose. Congratulations and may God continue to bless you as you honor Him with your writing. Yours in His name, Karen
Mary Nellum
04/06/05
This is top notch writing! Good job!

Mary N
darlene hight
04/11/05
Karen,
Ada's words and character absolutely jump off the page in this piece. Great job! You might even want to consider starting your piece with her first dialog and doing a flash back to the start of his morning and reasons for the downheartedness.Excellent piece! Speaks volumes.