I have a confession. I am a hoarder. Not a hoarder like those who might find themselves on a reality TV show. But I have a tendency to hang on to things rather than discard it. Every once in a while, with my wife’s motivation, I realize the need to purge. Recently, I began purging some things in my office. I found all types of cords and cables, notebooks and artwork, files and folders.
I have always kept a folder labeled, “Notes,” and “Personal Notes of Encouragement.” Over the years, I had accumulated multiple folders with these labels. As I was consolidating files, I took some time to read through literally hundreds of personal notes that I have received throughout my years of serving through the local church. I meet a lot of pastors who are discouraged and have been called to places of ministry that are difficult places to serve. My heart goes out to them! As I was reading each of these notes that span throughout my nearly 30 years serving through the local church, I am reminded of the value of encouragement in my personal life.
Here are a few selected excerpts from dozens of the notes I have received. I read through them with tears in my eyes remembering I church and those who had written these notes. I don’t share these to boast in any way. I simply wanted to share some of the encouragements people have so generously given to me.
- “Thank you so much for the love you have shown our family with the passing of our mother. You have been a true pastor and friend during this difficult time.”
- “You are so sensitive to everyones needs.”
- “Words cannot express the thanks that I owe… for being there for our family.”
- “Just wanted to tell you how much your leadership and devotion to serving have been a total blessing to my life!”
- “I am genuinely thankful for a pastor that embraces 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Thank you for not being afraid to walk through a book of the Bible with your congregation, teaching us to embrace ALL of Scripture.”
- “Just a note of thanks for your early visit before my surgery on Wednesday morning. It certainly wasn’t expected or necessary, but so appreciated!”
- “Thank you so much for the impact you are making in our lives and in the lives of those around you.”
- “Thank you for being here for our family during this difficult time.”
- “We appreciate you and your family so much.”
- “You continue to be an example of trust and grace and lovingkindness to everyone watching.”
- “You have a tremendous gift in teaching/communicating!”
- “Thank you for always believing in me that I would do good.”
- “Please personally know how much we appreciate your visits and prayer. It made a tremendous difference in our lives.”
- “I’m always amazed how you deal so patiently with guiding each of us. It is so obvious that you were called to this place at this time.”
- “Your kind and caring manner helped me to get through the funeral and interment… You’re visits to him in the hospital and rehab facility always lifted his spirits.”
- “You say all the time how it’s an honor to be the pastor. But truthfully it’s an honor and privilege to have you as my pastor.”
- “Watching the video of our wedding in preparation for doing my first formal wedding ceremony. I wanted to thank you for the influence that you have had in our lives and the fact that I can always reach out to your even years later.”
- “Thank you again for being there when you were needed.”
- “I know it’s ‘your job to be here’ but you are here always with a smile and laughter in your eyes. Thank you for showing up for these kids that you really care about too – present, approachable, and real, May you be protected from the darts and storms that most of us will never understand. Thanks for your faithfulness.”
- “You are such an encouragement by just being you.”
- “I know you’re called to be a pastor and it’s your job to do certain things, but my wife and I consider you and Nova friends. We deeply appreciate the love and guidance that you provide for us on a personal level.”
- “I so appreciate your kindness, gentleness, and humility.”
- “You have a gift as a healing agent.”
As I read through more notes than I could count, here are a few takeaways if you want to be an encouragement to your pastor, ministers, or someone else in your life.
- TAKE NOTICE | Opportunities come when we take notice of how God is using someone in our own life or the lives of others.
- BE SPECIFIC | As I read through these cards and notes, I realized that they were specific. They took notice of something and wanted to specifically express thanks and encourage me.
- BE TIMELY | When the Lord prompts you to offer encouragement, do not delay. Do it. You may never realize the impact your note may have in that person’s life.
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