The Glass House
It was a normal Sunday morning and my husband had left early for worship services. He was serving as youth minister and was leading singing that Sunday.
Our twins were two at the time. They were typical two year olds, full of life, energy and never still. I arrived to worship feeling very accomplished that we made it on time, their shoes still on and both hairbows intact. Services had ended and we made it without anyone going to the nursery. It was a victory day as a mom. As I stood there after services collecting the contents of the church bag, picking up Cheerios under the pew and wrangling the girls from escaping the premises, the gentleman behind me commented, “When we get to the new building, they are going to have to reserve you a back pew so people will be able to worship.” He laughed.
As I drove home from services that day, totally defeated by the gentleman’s comments, I questioned how I would ever live in the “glass house” of a preacher’s family. Was he kidding with me? Maybe. Or maybe not. I was a young mom, trying to survive with small energetic two year olds and most Sunday’s I was on my own. It was tough!
Today when I reflect back to the comments from the gentleman who sat behind me, I can honestly say I am thankful it happened. Those comments, and others that I received over the years, taught me several things.
We all need encouraging words. Pack a church bag, offer a kind word, sit with a young mom who is trying her best to teach her children to behave in worship. Find something to say that will, as I Thes 5:11 says “...build each other up…”
Evaluate what is true. Before you allow someone’s words to be a source of discouragement for you, ask yourself if the statement is true. Philippians 4:8 encourages us with these words, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Finally, turn your challenges into grit! You have what it takes to fulfill the role God has set before you! It is often said that grit has four components: enjoying what you do, making improvements, believing in the mission, and hoping in your ability to overcome.
When facing the challenges of the preacher’s wife, remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians “.....do not lose heart….”
Natalie Morris / Spring Hill, TN
