Joyful Journey

Last week I attended a church convention where many of my former seminary students were also in attendance as well as numerous other friends.  Having spent a career ministering and teaching at both the college and Seminary level as well as serving twenty-nine churches as Interim Pastor, not to mention friends made while traveling the world, I could only take a few steps without someone calling my name.  One of the marks of a successful career/ministry is to be recognized in a positive way by those you’ve known along the journey.  One of the joys of getting older, is having some of those people remind you of your influence on their lives.  How does one measure success?  Dale Carnegie said, “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” To use his measurement of success, I have been successful. While there were days of difficulty and seasons of stress, I sincerely had fun at what I did.  I am fully aware that, “Joy comes in the morning” (Psalm30:5), but I’m thankful that it also comes along the way. Thanks friends for allowing me to enjoy some truly joyful hours last week.