It has been a heavy week. My week started with a conference focusing on spiritual discernment in Chicago last Sunday. I spent three days with ministers and other church leaders from all over the nation. I just happened to the only Texan there! It was interesting to listen to a man who serves a church in inner city Pittsburgh. He is facing an entirely different set of challenges that what I am accustomed to in Granbury. Spiritual discernment is a heavy topic. I found that my colleagues attending the conference were facing all kinds of complex issues both personally and professionally. I flew back into Dallas late Tuesday night with a lot of information twirling around in that brain of mine.

My work day on Wednesday began by being called by one of the law enforcement agencies that I serve. They were facing their own heavy tasks. I did my best to assist in a time of serious crisis. I am so fortunate to serve with highly trained professionals who really care about people.

The week progressed with more news of serious illnesses, issues in families, and hurdles to be overcome at church. I tried to listen empathetically, offer good counsel when it was fitting, and most of all pray diligently for those in need. I communicated with several people facing very heavy matters in the life.

As the week began to wind down, I spoke at an awards banquet for law enforcement agency near Dallas. It was fun to meet new friends. The Chief of Police for that agency is very engaging and visionary. But I again heard stories of heaviness. They too had experienced a particularly challenging week in their agency as a result of certain events unfolding.

Do I go home feeling depressed or cynical about life in general after an especially heavy week? I really don’t. I feel real compassion for those impacted by tragedy. If I did not, I would not be normal. Actually these heavy events serve as a cure for an awful disease.

The disease is called pettiness. It is a syndrome that sometimes strikes unexpectedly. Few of us are immune to the poison it gives off. We whine and complain about the most ridiculous things. A heavy week cures pettiness pretty quickly. After working with several families impacted by unexpected death and tragedy this week, my inclinations toward pettiness quite literally vanished. I feel heavy tonight, but I am also very grateful for the blessings of good health, family, and the most wonderful friends in the world.