October is pastor appreciation month (some call it clergy appreciation month). How about that? I didn't know that until this morning. I didn't know that there was such a thing. Apparently there is. That is pretty cool, actually.

So, what is it, about your pastor, that you appreciate? Is your pastor bi-vocational? Does your pastor always try to make time for you? Does your pastor really have a knack for the word of God? Does your pastor give sound advice? Does your pastor talk to you like you are important or special? Does your pastor allow a rock and roll service on Sunday nights? Does your pastor encourage you to join small groups? Does your pastor really understand youth related issues? Does your pastor support the military? Does your pastor give everyone a say? Is your pastor passionate about keeping your marriage intact?

There are many reasons to appreciate your pastor. Like the rest of the world, your pastor is overworked and underpaid; finding little time for recreation or to take care of personal matters. The bottom line is, everyone will appreciate their pastor for different reasons. I would like to make a suggestion:

Whatever you appreciate about your pastor, perhaps you could spend some time thinking about a very special,but unrecognized quality that your pastor inherently possesses: a broken heart.

To most, a broken and suffering heart is a great burden. Not so for the pastor. No, for the pastor, a broken heart is a precious gift. It is a gift that moves on your behalf. It is a gift that compells the pastor to suffer for those never seen, never talked to, never heard as well as for friends and family. It is a gift that takes the pastor to task regardless of the implications. The pastor can no more ignore this quality that exists within, than can an engine ignore fuel. Look, pastors are not the only ones who have compassion for people, right. Of course not. Pastors are every bit as human as anyone else. Yet, they have chosen to hear a call to lead; to actively endeavor to build up other people; to advocate and exhort; Every believer is a minister, true. But not all ministers are pastors.

So, if you are wondering what, on earth, you can appreciate your pastor for...appreiate the broken heart inside. Pray for your pastor; fervently. That is a great way to show appreciation. Also, chocolate mochas work nicely. And although it's not expected, most of the time, your pastor will feel appreciated if you would simply say "thank you" every once in a while.