You never expected this.
You never expected to be an epidemiologist, televangelist, 
crisis counselor, and innovation architect all rolled into one.
Yet you've piled all those hats on your head,
washed your hands and masked your face,
and sallied forth into God's hurting world.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

You never expected this.
You never expected to close your sanctuary doors, 
and learn how to edit videos, 
and keep your distance from those who mourn.
Yet you've still shown up, on screen 
and by phone and in words of comfort,
and been there for your hurting people.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

You never expected this.
You never expected to lay awake every night,
weighing worship as a matter of life and death,
hoping  your people will remember your love,
wondering how many tears 
the fabric of your own faith can sustain.
Yet still you've prayed, and you've believed, 
and you've been the goodness of God for others.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

You never expected this.
Yet you were created for this.
To hold the flame of faith
in the raging storm.

Well done, good and faithful pastor.
Well done.