The Pastor's Wife . . . .

A week or so ago, I ran across this little article that I wrote, probably about 10 years ago.  I debated about putting it on my blog, because it seems a little idealistic now, but I trust the Lord can use it to help or encourage some pastor's wife.

     "Living in the parsonage has sometimes been referred to as living in a glass house, suggesting that you are always under the scrutinizing eyes of your parishioners.  I don't believe that, but what if it were true?  If our hearts are shiny clean (as we would want our windows to be in a glass house), and love for God and others fills every corner, we probably wouldn't even be aware that we were living in a glass house.  My husband has been in the ministry forty-two years.  Thirty-five of those years have been lived in the parsonage, and I have loved every minute of it!  (Well, . . . almost!!)  As I look back through the years:

     If I had a Scripture, it would be the words of Jesus in Luke 22:27:  "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?  Is not he that sitteth at meat?  But I am among you as he that serveth."
     If I had a Quote, it would be:  "I have only myself to give to others -- let me be liberal."
     If I had a Prayer, it would be:  "I am willing, dear Lord, to receive what Thou givest, to lack what Thou withholdest, to relinquish what Thou takest, to surrender what Thou claimest, to suffer what Thou ordainest, to do what Thou commandest, to wait until Thou sayest 'Go.'"
     If I had a Song, it would be:  "Tell me not of heavy crosses, nor the burdens hard to bear; for I've found this great salvation makes each burden light appear; and I love to follow Jesus, gladly counting all but dross, worldly honors all forsaking for the glory of the Cross."
     "Thank You, Jesus, for allowing me the wonderful privilege of living and loving in the Parsonage!" 

      I had no idea when I penned those words that I would go through some deep valleys and days of darkness, but I wouldn't change my prayer and I wouldn't change my song, and I'd do it all over again!"