From The Preacherâs Heart
Cheryl and I celebrated 13 years of marriage this past week. I wish I could tell you it has all been just wonderful bliss but I would be lying. We have had a great marriage but it did not come without some hard times. Just like any relationship it required work. Why do I tell you this? As I thought about our marriage I thought back to the honeymoon. We were just getting started and it seems as though nothing could get in our way. Eventually, however, something unexpected came up that put stress on the relationship. When talking to other pastors, they often ask how things are going with the church. I brag about how great things are going and then they, with the best of intentions, remind me that I am still in the honeymoon phase of my pastorate. Relationships are new, everyone is excited about the new season we are in, and nothing seems to be in our way. Eventually, however, something will come up that will put stress on that relationship. When it does we have two choices. We can just give up like so many failed marriages, or we can persevere and work through it. I might not be in the honeymoon phase of my marriage to Cheryl anymore but I can honestly say I have a deeper love for her today than I did 13 years ago when I said I do. The storms in our union have served to make us stronger. We will eventually pass through some storms as a church family. My prayer is that these storms will make us stronger and give us a deeper appreciation of one another. I am going to leave you with a quote that keeps me going all the time. âPeople are going to be people and we just got to love them in spite of their selves.â That is something to think about. Love you all!
In His service,
Bro Johnathan Taylor
