I am that Pastor's Wife

Yes, I am that Pastor's wife who...

...has people over and doesn't shower first.  Not a big deal except that I had also been running that day.

...goes to help the new guy and his family move in, realizing half way there that I (again!) hadn't showered.

...forgets that this lovely lady I am speaking to had lost her beloved husband.  Insert foot in mouth here.

...leaves her garbage in the kitchen bin too long.

...doesn't (ever??) fold her laundry when it comes out of the dryer.

...forgets to clean the bathroom before people come over (well...sometimes).

...serves people cold food that seems disappointingly undercooked.

...eats too many potato chips, especially when there is dip involved.

...procrastinates emptying the dishwasher until the back log of dirty dishes takes over.

...can't play the piano well enough for church.

...fights jealousy and comparisons with other women.

...still isn't recognized by many people in her church.

...struggles to find her place in ministry.

...misses the deep friendships she once had and dreads the "work" of making new ones.

...just wants her kids to be happy.


BUT, I am also that Pastor's wife who...

...is learning to love the person in the mirror, even when she doesn't shower.

...is praying that being genuine in who I am is honouring God for who he has made me to be.

...sees her home as a gift and blessing from God and desires to have it used for his glory, even with (especially with??!) it's unclean bathrooms, unfolded laundry, smelly garbage, and unwashed floors.

...loves to cook for people, even though I'm not great at it.

...actually really likes to play the piano and worship strictly within the walls of my home.

...hopes and prays that I have allowed God to be so present in me, that He flows out of me naturally.

...desires to use the gifts and talents he has given me with humility, confidence and grace.

...is thankful for my children who empty my dishwasher and clean my toilets.

...is really OK with the fact that some people don't recognize me because it means that I am not on a pedestal, that I am just another mom, another wife, another woman in the congregation.

...is excited about the future, about serving God together with my husband and with this group of lovely, godly women who I know will teach me and stretch me and encourage me on the journey.

...knows that the benefits of loving and losing far outweigh the feelings of loneliness and self-pity.

...knows that loving and living with my children is the greatest gift and ministry that I have been given.

...trusts that God's timing is perfect
                              that his love is unconditional
                                     that his grace is sufficient
                                            that his mercies are new every morning.

Yes, thanks be to God, I AM that Pastor's wife.