Licking Wounds
I was sitting and talking with some friends yesterday about a trip they recently took up to the mountains with their kids. It was their 9 year old sons first time sledding and I was captivated by the description of how much fun he had. I can picture the look in his eyes as he flew down the hill, snow kicking up all around. As a nine year old boy he had tapped into his calling in that moment…to play.
Then it happened. A bump. A crash. A flip. A scrape.
Nobody told him about this part. Up until now sledding was fun and pure. Maybe he got too comfortable. Maybe he knew it could go bad, he just had to see how far he could take it. Maybe it was just a freak accident. At this point in the journey the cause must be counted as trivial. He has to get back on the sled and dwell in his calling again.
After some first aid from mom and dad in the cabin, he felt the call to get back on the hill. The same hill that just bit him and derailed his whole existence for a moment.
From then on he sledded in a different way. I saw the heartbreak in mom and dad’s eyes as they described how their wounded and gun-shy boy was scooting down the hill in a now timid manor. Hardly the rambunctious and free warrior that was dominating the slope just minutes ago.
I have been wounded in ministry before. More than a few times. True there are some that hurt much more than others, but that must be counted as trivial. It is important that I file away the information learned from the incident and then get back on the ministry sled and dwell in my calling.
I should be a sharper tool after I have been wounded, and I think I have done a good job of counting it as knowledge gained and continuing the journey.
I have seen many pastors and ministry people who have been wounded and are now more dull tools than they once were. Sometimes it is their personality, but more often than not it is the leadership that they are surrounded by.
Modern church leaders are interested in the appearance of things and a scared up pastor doesn’t sell in our culture.
If I was to go into battle and I had the chance to pick the leadership of my team I think I would pass on the highly educated and clean cut generals and West Point grads. I would look for the most scared up grizzled, metal plate in the head dude I could find. A man like this has seen real action and could react on pure instinct faster than the West Point grad could formulate and calculate a plan.
So here’s to the wounded warriors…keep your head up.
Here Here! I’m about ready to get back in the saddle myself my friend. Wounded or not, we’ve got a calling right? A very famous ex-governor of my great state once said the words “I ain’t got time to bleed”.
It’s true in ministry too.
Here’s to all the running (not walking) wounded
[Reply]
It’s unfortunate but true that ministry has a way of really knocking the wind out of your sails. There are too many opportunities to get hurt and limp away. Sadly many people never return to ministry after they’ve been wounded by it.
I think that those of us in ministry have a responsiblity to portray what we do with honesty and sincerity. We need to come along side those who have been hurt and walk with them.
Good post.
Brad Ruggles
http://www.bradruggles.com
[Reply]
Very insightful post. I know it’s been tough for you to pull through some of the hurt but glad to see you’ve emerged from the other side stronger, wiser, and sharper than ever.
Nice work Vinny!
[Reply]
hey Vince,
I don’t know exactly what you have been through, but I am sure whatever it was, it wasn’t good. I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate your insight and your lack of cynicism. I don’t know how long it will take Micah and I to heal from our wounds (it will take me longer I’m sure) but I hope that as I continue to work through the process I will become as free as I see you. Thank you for loving Jesus.
[Reply]
I have learned to just keep sledding the way God always intended me to and not let the past crashes slow me down.
[Reply]