The hardest thing about being a pastor’s wife is being a working pastor’s wife.
I don’t want this to come across as whining or “woe is me,” but I said that I would share the good, the bad, and the ugly about ministry, so I need to keep it real.
As a full time producer, I’m motivated to do my “best” at work. Working on a live TV show demands more perfection from me than anything I’ve ever done. There’s no room for error in my segments; it’s a live show, so there’s no “do-overs.”
Simultaneously, I want to give my best to our church body as well. I see areas that we can “perfect” and people who need my attention. I have so much I want to do in our community to reach people for Christ. Unfortunately, there’s only so many hours in a day, and there’s only so much “me” to go around.
So, what’s the result of my dual-career life? So far, it’s a worn-out, amped-up, can’t-wind-down Lori. I lust after the idea of a day where I’m accomplishing absolutely nothing while sitting in my backyard staring at my fence for hours on end. This can’t be God’s plan for me, right?
What’s the answer? So far, I don’t have one. I love where I work and I love my church. Financially, we’re not in a position to live on one income, so quitting my job isn’t an option. More than anything, I just want to be in the center of God’s will.
Does God allow us to go through tough times like this? Absolutely.
In his timeless classic My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers wrote:
“If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all efforts of worth and excellence are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but difficulty does not make us faint and cave in—it stirs us up to overcome. Do we appreciate the miraculous salvation of Jesus Christ enough to be our utmost for His highest—our best for His glory?
Thank God that He does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a joyous thing, but it is also something that requires bravery, courage, and holiness. It tests us for all we are worth . . .
God’s grace produces men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, not pampered, spoiled weaklings. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to live the worthy and excellent life of a disciple of Jesus in the realities of life. And it is always necessary for us to make an effort to live a life of worth and excellence.”
One thing I’ve learned in life is “this too shall pass.” I know my breakthrough is coming. I know that if I trust God, stay in His word, and don’t quit He will be faithful to help me through this season. The same goes for you. You might not have all the answers, things might not make sense, and you might feel like giving up. But if you just remain faithful in this difficult trial you’re in, breakthrough is coming.
P.S. I want to thank God for my family. Sometimes they get my “leftovers,” when they deserve so much more. I can honestly say my favorite part of the day is walking into my home, my “sanctuary,” after a day at work. I’m SO blessed!
