I used to say Monday morning was my time to take care of overdue reminder notes, clean up my desktop, make phone calls that should’ve been made the week before, and discover what I haven’t done and who I made mad. For some pastors it’s the day they get their instructional information and future guidance and feedback that are the result of Sunday lunch discussions, prayer requests among friends, The Secret Meeting or some other informal church information mode. Serving a loving, caring, transparent, and very relational church like Poplar Springs is something I do not take for granted. The only thing I can say is… I appreciate my congregation because they make my Mondays special. We have members and non-members who check in on Monday because it’s their offices too and we wouldn’t be as comfortable and content were it not for these who sacrificed to give us a work space. Your church staff makes it a point to let folks know we appreciate their efforts to connect with us and to connect with each other. I believe I would describe our Monday mornings as sort of like a trip to Mayberry and that is a good thing.
This morning was quite special in Mayberry… Poplar Springs. First, Nicole brought Kirbeaux the therapy baby to the office. He is my grandchild fix, my reconnection to innocence and all that is pure and good in the world and a needed form of therapy. When I cradle this little one in my arms, settle in my office chair and sing the greatest hits of Jackson Browne I am rejuvenated and sometimes embarrassed by the fact that someone will hear my musical interpretations. Kirby makes my day and he’s good therapy for a sometimes preoccupied and always fortunate pastor… me!
Today was made even more special as therapy dawg, Nick Petty, showed up too! This pooch is always glad to see me and simply letting this lap dog occupy a chair with me makes the day brighter. This registered Cleveland County Tail Wagger/ Tongue Dragger stopped in this morning and made himself at home. Each time he visits, my belief in the goodness of canine companionship is reaffirmed and my soul is nourished and restored. Thanks Nick and Wilma for the needed therapy.
Thank you Poplar Springs for being a church that provides ministry to the pastor through people and pups. Y’all make even Monday special!!
Andy O.