In Josiah’s Christian school, they had the 4th graders write a letter to their pastors for Clergy Appreciation Month. Hmm… what will Josiah do since his father is the pastor of the church that he attends? Will he address the letter as, “Dear Dad” or “Dear Pastor”? When I first read the letter, it made my eyes misty. No matter how hard ministry is at times, it is stuff like this that causes you love God and your family more.
This is the letter that he wrote:
I want to tell you I appreciate all the things you do for the church. You work really hard to prepare sermons and you have to fly to Chicago every Sunday. You also have to do mission trips. You really have an excitement for God. You usually have to do funerals, weddings, sermons, and have to do hospital visits. It must be really hard doing all that stuff. You preach really well and can be funny. You have to meet with a lot of people and have meetings. You have to fly to other states also. So I want to thank you for all the stuff you do for the church.
Josiah
After reading his letter, I wanted to write this open letter to my son:
I just wanted to let you know how much I love you. You make my life so full. Ever since you entered into this world, I made a commitment to God that I would do my best to represent the Heavenly Father to you. It is my desire that you will grow to love God more in a passionate way.
I am so proud of you. Whenever you put your mind to something, you always accomplish it. I have seen you excel in so many things in the last 9 years. You always step up to the plate and accept any challenge that comes your way. You never give up… your persistence and diligence inspires me. I know that you will be “a world shaker and a history maker.”
I love your courage and your desire to always do the right thing. Don’t ever lose these important traits. As you get older, you will face various trials and temptations, but remember God’s grace and calling in your life.
No matter what you do (or what you might not do), I want you to know that my love for you will never change. Your mom and I are committed to you for life. We will be there for you through the thick and thin. We will support you in whatever you aspire to do.
I love watching sports with you. Thanks for being my ESPN newscaster whenever I am away on my travels… your memory for scores and stats are impeccable. I also enjoy going outside and playing football, soccer, baseball and basketball with you and Elliot. Thank God we love eating the same kinds of food, even though at times we cannot tell mommy what we have eaten 😉
Son, I will continue to pray that you will be a man of courage, compassion and convictions… even though we pray this prayer every day, I am confident that God will strengthen these things in you.
Thanks for remembering clergy appreciation… but remember this… you will always be a beloved son to me.
Dad