Ren Broekhuizen

Maybe people, and possibly even adoptive families themselves, might wonder if their efforts are a waste. We must make sure they know that Jesus, who cares for vulnerable children, sees what they are doing as admirable.

When I get up every morning and remember I have God’s appreciation, then ministry is no longer about them appreciating me.

Are you experiencing “pastoral twisties” and not sure what end is up? Do you sometimes think about withdrawing? In 61 years of Pastoring, I’ve been bone-tired, misunderstood, angry, tempted, stubborn, envious of other Pastors, seriously puzzled. But I never once thought of quitting.

I’ve been discouraged. I’ve been baffled. I’ve been attacked. I’ve been wrong. But I’ve never been sorry to be a mentor. This is Jesus’ work!

The teaching moment of the word “compassion” is that it is never used apart from some action! Jesus had compassion and fed them. Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. Jesus had compassion on the crowd and healed their sick. Jesus had compassion on her and touched the coffin. Even in the parable about the Prodigal: the father (Father!) saw him and had compassion on him and ran to him and hugged him and kissed him.

I am still learning and growing. In husbanding, in (grand)parenting, in pastoring, in friending, in evangelizing, in being, I am doing the best I know how. Can’t wait until tomorrow to see what I will be.