this email rocked me

I received an email yesterday that pretty much rocked my world. As a pastor, it's so valuable to get positive, heartfelt feedback that just kinda lets you know that you're hitting the target--that you're connecting with people and that life-change is happening. I never get tired of hearing that. And I'm always humbled by it. When I receive feedback (postive or negative), I try to treat it like our lead pastor, Dwight told me to treat it: like bubble gum, chew on it away but don't swallow it. If you swallow the postive feeback all the time, your head will enlarge, if you swallow the negative, you'll get discouraged. I think that's pretty good advice.

And then every once in a while I'll get an email like the one I'm about to share with you, my blog readers. When I read it, at first I smiled, then my heart was warmed, and finally, I started sobbing while sitting here at my computer. I was just flat out humbled. Read it and maybe you're understand why (I've changed it slightly to keep it anonymous):

John,

I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much I have been enjoying your messages. My family and I have been attending regularly the past couple of months. I truly have gotten alot out of your messages. I have not been this enthused about God since I was a kid. This church as a whole has renewed my faith in many ways--in God, in my family & my mariage. My wife and I split up(recently). Since that time the things we were going through were huge. Since (a couple of months ago) I have been back home. (Several other people who attend NewPointe) were very instumental in restoring our marriage. My wife's started with one of Dwight's sermons. CHANGE is what I call it. Change your marriage! (The folks who helped us)did not pass judgment but threw alot of encouragement our way.

(Change is) what she wanted to do! (It took me) a little longer. I had to go (to NewPointe) myself to hear what changed her outlook on our marriage. It really helped me as well. Our kids also helped me to look for a renewed relationship with God. They love church now period. They are mad if they miss one Sunday! Sunday (after) the (little league) coaches meeting when you were talking about motorcycle riding and (I saw) how passionate your were about (it) and how you have just been riding for a year & how much you love it! Then (at First Wednesday) you talked about how much you Love God!!! WOW! Passionate does not even cover how much you love him. Thats what I want! Thats the kind of relationship with God I want! I hope I didn't ramble a whole lot. Thanks again!

Unbelievable. Humbling. Inspiring. Motivating. It makes me want to dig in deeper and press on harder. Made my day. Heck, made my month!