One of the things I dread about October is its designation as "Pastor Appreciation Month." It's not that I don't want to be appreciated, but it's always so awkward and I am uncomfortable with the attention. And honestly... some people like to use that as a time to let you know they DON'T appreciate you. :(But this year was different. Yesterday my church gave me a scrapbook. It was filled with letters, pictures, drawings and things from the people in our church. They expressed things like how they felt about me, what they appreciated most, memories that stand out, all kinds of things. Two people (and several kids) drew me nice pictures. And I have to tell you, I was overwhelmed when I looked through this - which is a major feat in itself because if you know me you know I am not an overly emotional sorta guy. :)
I actually think this is one of the kindest, most meaningful gifts I have ever been given. The best thing is that not one of the letters was "gooshy" or felt contrived. It was honest-to-goodness stuff. And without a doubt, the ones from Jane, Carrie & Isaac were the best! It is so cool.
I think part of what makes it special is that it often feels like, week after week, I pour out my heart and soul to people... and I very seldom get any response. I never know what people are thinking; I never know if anything I do is worthwhile. That sorta thing. So it was nice to read people's hearts back to me. So many of them brought up specific events - even dates and times when I said such-and-such or did something. I felt like I was getting back what I try to give. It also seemed like people were accepting me as "one of them." That was nice.
I don't know, I guess I never would have thought a gift like this would be very meaningful. And if I'm honest, when I got home, I didn't really even care to look at it... because I thought it would be a bunch of mindless 'we love you' crap. But I will cherish this book for a long time. It's almost like a holy book to me. Maybe I'm just getting old. At any rate, I am feeling happy today. I just wish I hadn't been such a grump yesterday. I didn't feel good and it wasn't one of my better Sundays. Now I'm embarrassed.
Well, today I need to decide which book to start reading. It's between "The Jesus Creed" by Scot McKnight, "You Converted Me" by Tony Jones, or I might re-read either "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller, or "Messy Spirituality" by Mike Yaconelli. Hmm...
Peace, friends. Revolution(ate).
12 comments:
Read "Jesus Creed", hands down.
Jamie,
Thanks for the input. I had already opened "Messy Spirituality" by the time I checked here though. "Jesus Creed" will be next!
peace,
dh
Blue Like Jazz is an awesome book! Donald Miller is now one of my favorite non fiction writers.
Emily,
I agree about Blue Like Jazz and Don Miller. His book "Searching For God Knows What" is maybe better than BLJ.
By the way, do you live near Peoria, IL? Please don't tell me 'exactly' where you live (safety reasons), but I used to live 50 miles north of Peoria. My son is also a freshman in college (I read your blog).
Thanks for stopping by,
dh
Yeah, I live about 50 miles north of Peoria too. And I'm actually halfway done reading Searching For God Knows What. It is really good.
emily
Emily,
That is too crazy! We lived most of our lives in Buda, IL - now a part of Bureau Valley schools. My parents still live there, as well as many other friends and relatives. Small world. :)
take care,
dh
Wonder what Jamie really thinks you should read?
I SNORTED at B&N when I began "Searching for God...", simply meaning the book went home with me that night. Can't believe I've never gone back and picked up BLJ (sometimes I won't read what "everyone else is reading" for that reason alone...does the rebel never sleep? :/).
Anyway, Dan, I KNOW what that book has to mean for you. A few years back when my husband was approaching his 40th birthday, let's just say it wasn't the greatest time in life...one of those valleys. Several weeks before his birthday, I had the bright idea to make a similar book for him; I mailed scrapbook pages to everyone I could think of in his life--past and current--and included a pre-addressed return envelope and letter of explanation about what it was.
Oh, my word, I had no idea how blessed I would be! Pages started coming back immediately, and every one reflected the person who sent it; some wrote poems, some included highschool (or earlier) pictures, some were funny, others poignant, some were simple letters, others shared memories of the impact he had had in their lives. STUFF HE WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN OTHERWISE! Our kids made pages, too, at the time they were 6, 9 & 11, and even at their young ages, their personalities were evident. Tad just sat there at his reverse-surprise party (another story for another time) and read it...obviously touched (and this is a man who sounds like you, he's not prone to emotionalism, especially not publically!).
If our house catches fire, it's one of the treasures that's going with us. So glad this was done for you...words mean something....often more than anything else. Great idea (whoever thought of it)! One of those "paychecks" you didn't see coming.
btw, freudian slip above, I think you meant "feat" not feet ;).
Robin-the-feat-pic,
lol... leave it to you to find my "feet" typo. :)
Thanks for sharing the story about your husband. I feel just the same.
BTW, I 'think' it was a Robin in our church that came up with this idea.
peace,
dh
Wow, that is awesome! I live in the Kewanee part. What school does ur son go to?
Emily,
Cool! We would go to Kewanee for groceries, etc. My son went to school in Indiana, and now attends Anderson University. My wife was a Pratt - of which there are many in the Kewanee/Wethersfield/Neponset area.
Pretty weird, huh?
peace,
Dan
Remember when I graduated high school and you and mom had a similar book made for me? I know exactly how you feel. I just want to encourage you to take your your book and read some if it -- if not all of it whenever you are feeling a little down. I think my book may be the best medicine that I have and like Robin said, if my apartment were to ever catch fire, my book would be one of the first things I would try to save.
I was so excited when I learned the church was doing this for you as I know we are nearly the same person. I had no idea it would turn out so great. I guess there is the pessimistic side of me shining through.
I'm not sure what the point of this was other than to tell you that I know how you feel and to be sure and take advantage of "the book". Who knew that a stupid scrapbook could ever make you feel so great (I will never understand this crazy scrapbooking craze)?
:)
much love,
your favorirte daughter.
Carrie Jade,
So nice to hear from my favorite daughter on my blog again! :) Yes, I remember the book we had made for you. I will take your advice (as always - it's usually very good).
BTW, you don't recognize Emily from Illinois, do you? I wondered if she knew Vicki or Eric Pratt. (?)
Hope you're having a good week!
love ya,
Dad
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