Pause to Applause

As we enter month 13 of a national pandemic, an experience of a lifetime, an experience that no one could have ever predicted, I pause in appreciation for all pastors, spouses, first families, church staff and volunteers.  I pause to appreciate resilience, fortitude, community and flexibility.  I pause to appreciate the ability to try new things, and operate with and without fear.  I pause to appreciate everything we once said could never happen by the church, and everything we never imagined could happen, that you made happen.

This is an appreciation post for everyone who continues to make church happen, with an emphasis on the leader of each congregation, the pastor.

I pause to appreciate pastors who endured sleepless nights, who buried congregants, and buried loved ones.  I pause in appreciation for pastors who preached and taught to empty pews and live computer screens.  I pause for pastors who have been pushed out of their comfort zone, have endured family challenges, who have been misunderstood, have been forced to make difficult decisions and yet they still keep going.  I pause for pastors who had to encourage others, but needed the encouragement for themselves. 

For pastors who had to let everyone know it would be alright without being able to see the light at the end of tunnel, I pause.   I pause for pastors who encouraged others with mental health crises and struggled mentally themselves. I pause for pastors who always assume the weight of ministry and public opinion, but now carry the added pounds of Covid-19.

But, through your resiliency, I transition from a pause to an applause:

I pause to give you applause for stick-to-itveness.

I pause to give you applause for resiliency.

I pause to give you applause for fortitude.

I pause to give you applause for new revelation.

I pause to give you applause for conquering fear.

I pause to give you applause because you are still here…

And now I ask you to pause for yourselves.  I ask that you pause to breathe, to reflect, to celebrate, to delegate, and to refuel yourself.  I ask that you pause to appreciate and celebrate your successful management of the many obstacles that Covid brought for your congregation (and for you) including grief, transitions, change management, sickness, loneliness, social isolation, administrative hurdles, financial uncertainty, and relationship strains.

The last 365+ days were uncertain, and the next 365 days will look different and may be uncertain as well.  But what is certain, is, you have endured every obstacle you’ve faced, which demonstrates your ability to conquer the future.  Be not weary and do not faint, your victory is promised! 

Be reminded and be encouraged:

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.  They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

So, please pause for applause, pause for reflection, and pause to bask in the grace waiting for you in this next season.  You will need it, but you are already equipped to win!