I spent some time with a good friend last week who is also a pastor.  I have known Jeff for more than twenty years and we have remained pretty close even though he lives and works in Texas.

We try to get together at least once a year for several days of fishing and catching up.  Sometimes we catch fish, too, but that’s a bonus to the experience (for the record:  this year we caught a lot of smallmouth bass.  And no, we did not keep any because that’s way too much trouble).

I observe that it is easier to notice how somebody has changed when you don’t see them all that often.  Time takes its toll on everybody and that’s unavoidable.

But it is also easy to notice what does not change.  Jeff is still consistently following Jesus and trying to get other people to follow Him, too.  He has good spiritual disciplines including using a daily devotional guide by a famous local author (52 Weeks of Pretty Good Thoughts about Life and God from the Bible; available at the information desk for $15).

You and I can get disappointed by people and their actions.  It happens, and lately it has been happening sort of a lot to me.

It also happens that I have noticed faithfulness and loyalty and it blesses me.  This week, I’ve watched as some kids—who are now grown men—have taken off to go do some ministry over the summer.  It didn’t surprise me because I know them, but it still impressed me.

I work, every day, with men and women like that on my staff.  I go to church and try to serve with others that are also faithful and actually living out what they say.

They inspire me and help me.  I need them.