Church family,
Over the years I have enjoyed connecting with other pastors. As within other careers, being with those who ‘do what you do’, it is easy to find common connection – talking points. After all, there are similar experiences that most face within a common career.
Over the past few years, I have made the effort to reach to younger pastors. Men who are nearer the beginning stage of their ministry career. At times, the Spirit impresses upon me to reach to someone and make time for them – to ask about their story and listen. It has been rewarding to know them – who they are and what they are doing in ministry. 
Let me encourage you to make the effort to invest in others as well. Maybe it is a grandchild, neighbor, or another brother or sister in Christ at church. You have some connection – whether by family, location, or being a Christian. Invest in someone.
Often times we feel we have nothing to offer. We hear the enemy say, “Why would they want to listen to you?” But think of it this way — maybe you need to listen to them. Ask them their story. It will open the door to interject parts of your story. The challenge can be that we ourselves want to be heard, therefore we do not listen well. It is something I have been aware of about myself as well and am working on it. Asking and listening first are prerequisites for developing a nurturing relationship – the beginnings of good investment.
We see a picture of this in the life of the Apostle Paul. He invested in Timothy – a younger man in the ministry, in the faith. He listened, responded, and encouraged. He was most concerned about Timothy’s faith and staying the course that God had called him to. He gave guidance and cheered him on in the faith.
Let me encourage you to dare ask the Lord to show you someone to invest in. It will bring encouragement to them and fulfillment to yourself! Who knows, it may be the piece that gives clarity and encouragement for their life.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
Walking with you,
Pastor Brian