Loneliness

It was the great explorer, Shackelton, that said, "loneliness is the price of leadership." There are times that truth comes home to me and this week has been one such time. I doubt if anyone but another pastor would realize how much of the typical pastor's week is spent alone. Even the most compulsive "people person" sorts will spend time in an office alone, typically in an empty building. Visitation is a good outlet, but you have all the time getting to the folks, and let's be really honest here, they don't always want you to show up. Further, those visits are about ministry, not really focused on fellowship.

That is where friendship comes in. I have been blessed with some really good friends, especially in the ministry. They know where I'm coming from because they have been where I am. My hope is that I will make those friendships real "two-way streets." I enjoy getting from the relationship, but I have to give as well. The Scriptures counsel, "for a man to have friends, he must show himself friendly." I think it is a good investment. You never know when you are going to really need a friend.