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When Things Are Going Well

I've worked hard to get to the place where I can work hard.
— Knute Larson

Successes can be sweet — and sour.

The organ had started the prelude as would-be worshipers filed in for the third worship service. I was welcoming the people to our service at one of the doors.

I glanced at my watch; in only a minute or two I would need to make my way to the front of the sanctuary. I reached out and turned to welcome the next person.

"You're the most wonderful pastor in the world," the woman said, shaking my hand. Her husband nodded in agreement.

I smiled and turned to greet the couple standing behind them. As I reached out to shake the hand of the husband, he faked a punch to my solar plexis and said, "You're the stupidest pastor I've ever heard of." He seemed to have meant it, and his wife nodded in agreement.

I smiled again but chose to say nothing and then walked to the front of the sanctuary to begin the service. The couples had not overheard each other, but I clearly heard them both. The second ...

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Posted:
March
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