A most important relationship

I have a friend who is very special to me. This friend holds me in high esteem and has high expectations of me. I’m pretty sure he prays for me as well.

He is constantly encouraging me to do more or better because he believes I can. He’s a life coach in the way that friends should be. He is tolerant and pretty patient, but doesn’t suffer foolish behaviors for long. He has welcomed me onto committees and urged me to activities that he knew were challenging and would grow me. He looks ahead, not back, and I never have to tolerate reminders of my less impressive moments.

He is my pastor, and his...