Loneliness is the minister's wound not only because he shares the human condition, but also because of the unique predicament of his profession.  It is this wound which he is called to bind with more care and attention than others usually do.   For a deep understanding of his own pain makes it possible for him to convert his weakness into strength and to offer his own experience as a source of healing to those who are often lost in the darkness of their own misunderstood sufferings.  This is a very hard call, because for a minister who is committed to forming a community of faith, loneliness is a very painful wound which is easily subject to denial and neglect.  But once the pain is accepted and understood, a denial is no longer necessary, and ministry can become a healing service.  (Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer)

According to Nouwen, our wounds and loneliness are the most important tools we have for the work of forming communities of faith.  I accept the deep truth of Nouwen's words, though my acceptance has come only gradually through the years of my life and ministry.  One of the great temptations of professional ministry is to deny our wounds and believe we have it all together!  Yet countless pastors, chaplains, etc. act out, burn out, or just drop out each year in frustration, confusion, or despair.

As a professional minister, I have known great joys and have also experienced some frustration, confusion, and even despair.  And I've been fortunate enough to find the counsel, support and strength to help me keep going.  In fact, it is my experience of wrestling with the hard things and also giving thanks for the joyful things - and connecting with the joy and the struggles of others - that has turned out to be my most vital ministry tool!  

This truth is for all of us.  Who doesn't experience frustration, confusion, and even despair in life?   Who doesn't experience loneliness, at least on occasion?  At the same time, who doesn't experience, at least on occasion, the joy of human love and the satisfaction of accomplishment?  All these experiences push us to examine ourselves.  Are we getting to know ourselves more honestly and deeply?  Are our actions reflecting our core values or are they being driven more by forces outside ourselves?  

Poet Robert Bly told the story of a man who worked seven years literally underground sawing wood.  After seven years, the payment he received was all the sawdust he had created.   Disappointed, the man took all that sawdust with him.  When he returned above ground, he discovered that the sawdust had turned to gold.  (Robert Bly The Naïve Male).  All of us have that sawdust.  It is the product of our living whether or not we have learned to value it.   It is our treasure.  Ultimately, it is what we have to offer others.  We are on a journey to value that abundance in our lives and to invest our gold to bring more justice, compassion, love, and hope in the world.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.
    
Jack Price

FYI - Jack has published several articles at: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jack_F_Price

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