For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks...I tell you that people will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Jn 12:34, 36-37

Heavy. I have felt the weight of words, decisions, and responsibilities of late. Not that I am saying or doing things of significant consequence the past few weeks, but rather, pondering conversations and ideas and such. Back in July, the move was made to make me and Tina 'intern pastors' in our particular areas of ministry. Title change, some increasing responsibilities outside of the youth world for me, etc. The thing is, I feel different. Not in a 'look at my unlimited power' or as an ego boost (I could not care less about the title -- that's not what makes you pastor material!), but rather I feel a weight of responsibility to God and church. The role demands that we step up, that we be ready to lead when called upon. And I am feeling a sense of humble pride -- I feel completely humbled and honored that God would consider me wired up to fulfil this calling on my life, to pursue this next step. With that comes thoughts on the previous verses -- ministry comes with the truth that you are being viewed, that our words are being heard even when we are not aware, and that we are responsible for them. That goes for us all of course. Today, I am struck by the gravity of this in my current stage of life. And rendered slightly speechless...