There
are very few times a year when I just
take a moment and blog about something that really doesn’t pertain directly to
ministry or TBC, but it is just "near and dear" to my heart. Today is one of
those days… because tomorrow is
Administrative Assistants’ Day. I have never hidden the fact that five years ago,
upon becoming Pastor at TBC, I had never worked in a more toxic environment
whether it be ministry or secular. Through time, truth, leadership and
personnel changes things began to turn day by day. Today, we have a mixture of
ladies who have been serving the Church before I ever became Pastor to some who
have come on as early as this year, and let me say without any hesitation or
doubt that I have never worked with a sweeter, more gracious, unified group of
ladies at any time in my life. We are in the process moving our entire congregation into a
new facility all the while sharing our present facility with another congregation
– along with all the “behind the scenes” chaos that accompanies this type of
undertaking. I thank the Lord for the
grace, love and patience He has given both church families, but let me say that
there is not a group of people in either congregation or on either staff that
has been more affected, displaced and moved around as much as the
Administrative Assistants at TBC. While they have been the most disrupted
group, I can honestly say they have been the group that has complained the
least (including your Pastor).
Mary,
Debbie, Peggy, Carol Ann, Mrs. Shirley and Michele…I want you to know that you sweet
ladies make the toughest times manageable and even the tough work enjoyable.
Your sweet spirit, your love and dedication for our Church body, and the
passion you show for our Lord has encouraged me in so many ways.
The grace and patience you have displayed to your Pastors and leadership
is nothing less than sterling. Our Church only knows a fraction of what you do
and I only know a small percentage I’m sure, but please know that I speak for
all of our Pastors when I say that as wonderful as you have been in the past,
it pales in comparison to how you have been through the last several months.
One of the greatest joys I have is to not only serve as your “boss,” but that you
also allow me to serve as your Pastor and you have loved, prayed and been so
faithful through every transition. I just want to jump out one day early and
let you know that we love you and simple words of appreciation or recognition
can never express my personal gratitude. Thank you for what you have done and
thank you so much for they source of encouragement you have been to me through
these years. You are greatly loved and appreciated.
