Last night I picked up a new book to read. It was a gift from last Christmas from a couple who are members of our church family. My interest in various topics far exceeds my reading ability, so I find myself with a huge backlog of books to read, thus the delay in reading the book from last Christmas. As I opened the inside cover, I read these words, "This is really from Bob but I am writing in it just to say ...." Bob's wife then goes on to make a comment of praise that is obviously excessive, exaggerated, and inflated--nonetheless, the comment nearly brought me to tears. It was a special getting-close-to-Christmas moment for me as their pastor. My heart was warmed. I felt really good about being the shepherd of a flock of needy people, and about how fortunate I am to serve such a church family. Thank you, dear Jesus, for the wonder of you. And thank you for lighting up the hearts of your people with love and warmth and hope and joy. Thank you for the magical gift of encouragement.
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