Travels with H.B.

I travel a lot — it's just a part of what I do — but, from mid-September to the middle of November, the schedule becomes even more intense. I'm not complaining. I value the time I can spend with pastors across the country, and learn so much from the experience.

Along the way, there are a lot of flight delays, fast food meals and different hotels. But the best part of my time comes when I am able to meet and have conversation with pastors, young and old. We talk about a lot of things.

For instance:

Yesterday, I spent some time with a pastor who was in recovery from pornography. He doubts if he will ever be completely well, but he has put safeguards in place. I affirmed him.

Earlier this week, it was a colleague who serves a small church that is dysfunctional because of contention. He has lost one main family in his congregation and anticipates losing more. I just let him talk.

Then there was the pastor's wife I met recently, who was driven to see her husband succeed. She had become "super pastor's wife" — juggling many jobs to make her husband look good. I cautioned her.

There was another encounter I had with a pastor's wife, whose father had had an affair and, because of that, she had developed real trust issues. I empathized with her.

The other day, I sat with a pastor who had gone through an unwanted divorce and couldn't understand why that had made it difficult for him to find a healthy assignment. I reasoned with him.

A couple of days ago, in the midst of a line of people who wanted to talk, I took time with a pastor I had known for awhile who had just come through cancer surgery. The doctors couldn't get it all. I will pray for him.

Oh, yes, there are many I meet with who feel blessed, happy and fulfilled. I rejoice with them.

I am so honored to serve at Focus on the Family as a pastor to pastors with a great staff. Perhaps our paths will never cross, but that will not stop us from communicating. Call us with any issues you are facing at 877-233-4455 or write us at pastors@family.org. In a week or so, our podcast and blog will begin. We can stay in touch. Thank you for allowing us entree into your world.