There are all kinds of bravery in the world today.  We pay a lot of attention to some who are brave but we miss some of the ones that are brave in the background.  That is why we have special days like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Administrative Assistant Day, Nurse’s … well, you get the idea.  October is almost over and I nearly missed formally appreciating a few brave people who do what they do without much financial reward, not always much affirmation, no guarantee of regular work hours and very few weekends off.

Their work bleeds over into their families.  Their wives, kids and homes are scrutinized.  They have to make tough decisions for stubborn people and deal with the fallout.  They pretty much have to be nice all the time, even when they don’t feel like it. They have to encourage others when they don’t feel encouraged themselves. They have to get uncomfortable and confront others from time to time. They accept stress as part of their job. They are regular people who for one reason or another have felt that God wanted them to be a minister, so they work for him.  God finds them a church and they get busy doing what ministers do.  They are brave.

So, Phil, Justin, Bill and Dave (you know who you are…) God is not the only one who sees these things you are and do.  He sees everything, but I see some of it too.  I benefit every week from the time and effort you put into your jobs and I’m glad to be able to tell you that.  I’m thankful for the times we’ve spent talking about important (sometimes not) things.  I appreciate your families and the way they add to what you’re doing.

Most of all, I want to thank you all for being real, genuine, sincere people and not hiding your “human-ness” from us.  You tell us that you struggle just like we do.  It takes courage to be transparent.  Thank you for being under the authority of your real boss – I’m sure that’s where your confidence comes from.  Happy October, Pastor Appreciation Month.

Oddly enough, the title of this post highlights the reason I remembered to write tonight.  I was thinking how brave Phil is, every once in a while, when he gets up in front of people to speak wearing his bow tie.