Lost Poetry

I had opportunity to hear more of the conversation that Dave Ramsey had with Steve Mansfield that I referenced the other day. While talking about the flow of life and what it is that we do that brings us fulfillment, they made the point that "when the work doesn't flow as it used to, the poetry is lost"... then you might be in trouble.

Dave perhaps gave the best analogy.

A man, who is incredibly successful in all that he does, having gone bankrupt in his early years of marriage, now lives like most only dream. Yet, if you listen to show, you'll hear just how often he encourages (and teaches) what people need to do now, so that they too can live their dream. It doesn't have to look like his, but finances stand in the way of many not ever being able to do so.

So, he makes the point, that the day he stops celebrating people becoming debt-free and reaching millionaire status, is probably the time he should give up his day job. Why?

Because what he does right now, is an effort to help other people win and witness them winning! Which after 25 years on the radio, the stories are almost too numerous to count. I think they announced that last year, for those who had contacted them and that the had tracked, $59 million dollars in debt had been eliminated from those working his financial advice. If he loses the passion and excitement of helping people achieve such freedom, what's the point in continuing to help in that manner? He should do something else.

Lost poetry.

A very similar scenario happens in ministry. Along the path to burnout. Life happens and perhaps things don't go as plan or tragedy strikes or thoughts and attitudes that don't belong enter into your perspective and the excitement with which you approach your day begins to wane and you have to ask yourself if you are losing it? The fluidity. The rhythm. The progression. The poetry.

It be lost towards one's perspective towards other pastors and people in ministry, that they serve with daily or watch from afar. It can be those within the congregation and community that they try to figure out why and how things worked out for another and not for them.

It's not like we all haven't been there!

To not recognize the loss of poetry in your position, yet remain in that position will soon become a dangerous path.

So, let's pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would not lose the poetry of their life and ministry. May nothing stand in the way that we detour their desire to help and to minister to their church and community. Pray a spirit of envy and jealousy would be for from them. Pray for a continual ability to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn; to share in both the moments of celebration as well as compassion. May God renew their strength as they serve. Faithfully.

For the glory of God.
And the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC