The fragrance that filled the church office today made me drool. After my attention was arrested I then drank in the aroma. Now, my stomach started to growl.
Our office staff just laughed at me. It’s the chili. They had it heating up in the conference room.
This was going to be my first office chili feed since joining the church staff. I smiled at the friendly banter. The feast was on my calendar.
Our pastoral staff meeting ended early. All of us were looking forward to the treat of home-made chili. Add to that the fun that our office staff has and the makings for a delightful noon time break was very inviting.
We gathered at the appointed hour. The table was set with decorative Autumn paper plates. Every seat around the table was filled.
The chili was served. Toppings were passed just like we were a family. Graded cheese, oyster crackers, cornmeal muffins, sour cream, and the all important diced onions decorated everyone’s steaming helping of tasty chili.
Laughter filled in the gaps. Stories led to the laughter. Smiles decked every countenance.
The cheer of our afternoon fellowship would have been more than sufficient. But, a surprise awaited all of us on the pastoral staff. The office staff handed the three of us a card with our names on them.
That’s when they told us that this was pastor appreciation day. I was stunned. Inside the envelope was a nicely appointed greeting card. Each of the staff members wrote a sentiment of encouragement.
They also included a gift card to a local eatery. This was a total surprise. It was simple but heart-felt.
The first thing that I did when I arrived home was to show my wife the card. We both enjoyed the encouragement. It is so nice to be wanted. The affirmation that comes from being honored is a blessing that no words can ever satisfactorily describe.
One of our office staff asked me if I felt appreciated. That was one of the easiest questions that I have ever had to answer. Absolutely, I feel very honored.
Homemade lunch, time invested in the planning, personal words of gratitude handwritten, verbal words of appreciation stated, memories made and prayers lifted up are all valuable priceless gifts given to honor us pastors. My soul was buoyed. This will be a lasting memory. Thanks, girls, for the honor. You blessed us!
photo credit: Google image
No comments yet
Comments feed for this article