You're Doing Great!

Encouragement from Andy Casto-Waters

Acting General Presbyter

Cherokee Presbytery

I have been out of the running/jogging game for a while, and when I used to run competitively, I knew that at the beginning of a training cycle, the first two weeks were the hardest. This was when my whole body ached. Underused muscles contracted into tight knots, and my knees, back, and hips kept me awake at night. (Just writing this makes me remember Frederick Buechner's take on Jogging.). These are the days when it is easiest to skip a workout. But these are the days when it is most important to keep going.

One of the nice parts of Augusta is the various trails and pathways along the Savannah River. The Augusta Canal is where I prefer to jog and walk, because the path is wide and is a 5 mile stretch of dirt road. It has large stretches of shade, and the herons elegantly swoop onto the banks. Sometimes I see river otters playing. It's a peaceful respite, and most importantly, its easy on the joints.

It was on one of these days recently, when I went out later than I wanted and the cicadas were in full song, that I came across a guy I call “The Encourager.” I always wave or say hello to others on the trails, and as I was trudging along with my ba d form, I glanced up to see this bigger, balder fellow about my age. He was covered in sweat, and he pumped his fist at me and said, “All right! You're doing great! Keep going!” This was at the beginning of the run, but I thought of him the entire way. I thought of him the next time I went out and actually looked for him. I thought of him when I ran on the treadmill, and when I went out around our house. “TheEncourager” left an impression on me..

The fact is, we all need an Encourager. Whether we a re starting something new or something again or keeping on the same path we have been traveling, we all need someone to look at us, pump their fist, and say, “All right! You’re doing great! Keep going!”

Some might refer to them as neighbors or angels or the great cloud or witnesses. Whatever we call them, they are important in our journeys and lives.

All of this is to say that what we do–and more importantly what you do–in the daily life of the church can be really joyful and really challenging. And we need encouragement. Ministry in all of its forms can be difficult at times. Some of us are in transition. Some are pondering the next steps for their church. Some are in the midst of projects or plans or campaigns. And while the joy is that we get to do this together, there are still challenges that we face.

So if you feel like skipping a day, or you experience aches and pains from using muscles that have been at rest for some time, I want you to hear me say “You're doing great! Keep going!” I continue to be impressed with the wealth of talent within our churches. And I continue to be grateful or the many ways you faithfully serve.

So keep going. You're doing great.

Peace, Andy