My Lowly Pastor

Baptists can put out a spread.  Pretty much any excuse will do for Baptists to gather and fill a table for a potluck.  Okay, several tables.  Countless pounds have been gained, shed, and re-gained over the years. 

But there’s something that stands out to me over and above the food and that is watching my pastor. 

While all of us are eagerly taking stock of the tasty choices before us, plastic fork and divided Chinet paper plate in hand, Hans is holding back.  He’s visiting people at varying tables, being ornery with the kids, or teasing the ladies in kitchen.  He always waits until everyone else has helped their plates – you’ll always find him at the end of the line.

I’m sure there are times when one of his favorites dishes has already been scraped clean by the time he gets to it.  Or, what is left might be slightly cold.  I have watched him at these events and learned from his lowliness.  He is nothing like the religious leaders we read about in Luke, chapter 20, who want all those accolades of the masses. 

I’m grateful for that.