"The Joy of Being a Pastor"

Hebrews 13: 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Often pastors suffer from being lonely, misunderstood, and even from spiritual fatigue. I remember hearing my pastor tell me one time, "people will never understand the pressure and demands of being a pastor." I admit I did not have a clue of what he was talking about 9 years ago. Today is a whole different story. I have been a pastor for going on 7 years now and I am reminded of what he told me.
In the midst of difficulties there are times which brings great joy to a pastors heart. I encountered that time this morning while making a hospital visit to one of our shut-ins. I was informed she was in the hospital yesterday and first thing this morning I wanted to go and check on her. I knew she was 91 years old and had alot of aliments. Upon arriving she told me they have found a mass in her lungs the size of an orange and they wanted to do a biopsy. Which she said she didn't want to have it done.
As I was with her she said, "Bro. Chad, I'm 91 years old and I'm ready to be with the Lord, I am not afraid of dying.!" At that moment I began to weep. She understood this world is not her home, she is just passing through. It also reminded me of this great truth as well. She said, "I am ready to go be with Jesus."
The visit this morning reminded me of the joys of being a pastor. God has called me to pastor His sheep, what a sobering thought. To care for the souls of God's people. I can honestly say, this precious saint of God brought great joy to her pastors heart. To God be the glory!