Most of the time, especially in the down times, the problems didn't go away overnight. So the calls and notes would continue. Even when I retired, they were there. That love and caring is still with me. This all started back in 1958 and that was 43 years ago.
Times are different now and the church is different.
But people and ministers still have a lot of the same needs. But my greatest resource, both professional and personal, was and continues to be our Disciples educators. I hope others have had similar experiences. If you haven't, give it a try. Make a commitment within a circle of church educators who are friends to minister to one another.