Self Care Leads to the Care of Others...

I recently attended the Doxology seminar up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin...(try spelling that name 10 times fast! ) All I can say is where was this program 10 years ago when I entered the seminary? The emphasis is on Lutheran Spiritual Care and Counseling and it is something I believe every pastor should pursue. Yet, this wasn't simply a "how to" sort of seminar, it was much more in that it looked at the pastor's life as shepherd and his own life as saint and sinner. In regards to parish life we addressed the lives of the people we serve who are constantly being battered by the roaring lion known as the devil. Yet, it didn't end there. It is one thing to work and listen with people who are depressed, anxious, lonely and tired of all the things in life, but how do you as a pastor (like myself) deal with these issues when they impact your own life. Have I had to deal with depression, anxiety, loneliness and just plain frustration...sure! Who hasn't? And for once I thank God that someone stood up and stated "We understand this happens to you as well...you are by no means supermen with superChristian powers...we don't think you're odd or impious...we're hear to listen and help you."

Those of us in the Office of the Ministry are prime targets for these things to pop up in our own lives and in many ways its how the devil tends to have his way with us. I plan on writing about many things I learned at Doxology, but the one thing that sticks out for me is the idea of self care. Self care is the simple little idea of taking care of yourself, physically, spiritually and mentally. I tend to think most pastors, like myself, don't always regard this as important, but it really is.

One of the great little examples I took one day was that of the oxygen masks in an airplane. When those things pop down out of the ceiling they say "put your's on first and then help others..." In my mind, this is always seemed a bit selfish, especially if I am concerned about my infant daughter in the seat next to me, but in reality its not. If you first don't take care of yourself, then how can you take of others? Those were the hard-hitting words I got out of this seminar...they also echoed the words I often have heard from my general physician who has constantly preached this lesson to me. I now realize that I have been listening to this truth with stubborn ears and last week was the wake up call. I now have realized that I am not alone in this battle, and that it better become a priority...otherwise I am not being fair to my wife and child and dont' have the wherewithall to rightfully serve those whom I have been given to serve in the parish. And so I have this little phrase stuck in my head and on a few areas of my desk..."Self Care Leads to the Care of Others"

After Doxology I have some different perspectives on who I am, what I am, what I am to be doing in the various aspects of my life and vocations. I am eternally grateful for being able to go to something like Doxology and would hope that any pastors out there would invest in what they have to offer. Likewise you congregations should support and encourage such a thing for your pastor and his well-being...it will only help him to serve you all the more faithfully with the changes and chances in this life.