silent song

silent song 2, originally uploaded by philbenner.

While photographing in a swamp near our house the other day i got a shot of this lonely little redwing blackbird singing it's heart out on a rotten old tree.

It got me thinking as i ran across this picture today that sometimes this is pretty indicative of how i feel as a pastor... a simple little song bird spilling my guts out but i'm alone on a dead old tree. This can be a pretty lonely place sometimes. Holding confidence for so many people's hurts and fears while trying to share with everyone the single most important message ever, the need for Christ to be the center of their lives.

Like the little bird, i feel like i have a great big red target on my shoulders : PASTOR :. I believe this is what God has called me to and wouldn't trade the privilege of serving for anything... but there's days when i'd like to cash it all in for sure. I love the people I get to serve and pray with all my heart for their growth and healing in Jesus. So i'll sing this song with all I've got and pray for the grace of God in the journey!

This is also an encouragement to all who read to please pray for your pastors... we need it.

May the Love of Christ absolutely destroy your life...