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When the kids were five and two, we began a traveling singing ministry. Our congregation didn’t meet on Sunday nights, so we were free then, as well as weeknights. We sang in churches, clubs, seniors’ groups, whoever would have us. I think the kids were the big drawing card, but people also seemed to like our music, most of it written by Kevin.
The day after a concert for a seniors’ club, the chairman called tell us how much everyone enjoyed it.
“Oh, thank you,” I said. “I’ve had a lousy morning; it makes my day to hear a compliment.”
“Now, I can’t believe you would ever have a bad day!” he answered.
Oh, puleeeeze!
I wanted to shout, “You dummy! People in ministry have horrible, awful, very bad days, too. Perhaps more than ‘normal’ people. We are constant targets for the devil’s traps and schemes.”
But, I didn’t. I just made fluffy little preacher’s wife comment #103 and politely thanked him again for calling.
I wonder why people think we are immune to grumpiness, misunderstandings, and bad attitudes? Just because our calling is to teach, preach, sing or write the gospel doesn’t make us impervious to demonic grenades.
All believers are in a battle, but ministers and their families are on the front lines. Satan tries harder to take us down, because we are in positions to influence huge numbers believers. Non-believers watch us closely, too.
I’m not feeling sorry for myself. I like being in ministry. Most days.
I just want people to be real, and allow me to be real, too.
Are you shocked when someone in leadership admits they have horrible days? Do you pray for them? They'll love you if you do.
The Pastor's Wife Speaks is a safe place for women living on the front lines of ministry to share and support each other. But you don't have to be married to a pastor to hang out here. Regardless of how you're connected to ministry, you are welcome. Enjoy and be blessed!
I'm not shocked at all. Unfortunately, I seem to have the type of personality where people assume I never lose my temper or yell. It's hard when people put you on a pedestal because it makes you feel not real, not relatable, and alone.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling you girl!! ;-)
I'm with you, Jeanette. I would think that those in ministry are even greater targets for the devil to tamper with and discredit. Also, for all Christians, doing God's will and helping others is not always easy. His will may not be something you want to do, and helping others can make you weary as well. Obviously, there are good things that come out of these things as well, but it might not be apparent and up front.
ReplyDeleteNot shocked at all!! And, yes, I regularly pray for those who spend their lives serving others in one capacity or another. Ministry isn't for the weak at heart, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteBlogger's acting up again, so I'm going to try and submit as anon. this time and see if it works.
Eileen Astels
Oh, I needed one of those doggie T-shirts today. :) or maybe :( would be more appropriate! I love the comment #103...I knew there had to be a book! LOL
ReplyDeleteJessica: I knew you would understand!
ReplyDeleteTiAnna Mae: You are right; all of us are targets, and we need to keep our shields of faith up.
Eileen: Thanks for your prayers; they help so much!
Sandra: Those doggies look sorry, don't they? I hope your day improves!
Love to you all,
Jen
AMEN Girlfriend! I think we are often targets, too. I also know personally I am NOT immune to grumpiness or great big messes!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers,
andrea
Enlightening post! Thank you. Those in ministry are people too and go through the same trials and temptations as anyone else. And there are times that I wonder if they're not even attacked harder because of what they are trying to do. Bring the lost to Christ. Help improve the quality of life for others and so much more. Blessings, my dear friend. It's been a while since I've accepted a speaking engagement or taught a Bible study, but I SO relate to your words.
ReplyDeleteWe're going through a difficult transition time in our church, and the whole staff is feeling a strain. It's not easy at all!! Thanks for being real and allowing us to be real with you.
ReplyDeleteEverybody's got their buttons, and Satan knows what they are and just how hard to push. That doesn't change for people on the front lines of ministry.
ReplyDeleteA crummy day is a crummy, regardless of your calling in life.
Lovely post.
I appreciate Andrea's comment that a crummy day is a crummy day, regardless of our calling in life! Perhaps it's because those in ministry spend so much of their time focusing on meeting needs and praying for others, and rarely mention their own difficulties, that people forget they go through tough times, too, and there is a need for prayers to support them in what they do.
ReplyDeleteAndrea: Yes, we are all messies needing the Messiah to clean us up!
ReplyDeleteRita: I think we are attacked harder, to try to ruin the Gospel's credibility. But the Word of God is more powerful than the sword of Satan!
Kristen: I will pray for your staff. May the Lord surround you with peaceful people today, Jen
Andrea: Yes, he knows what buttons each of us go wiggy over, doesn't he? Thanks for understanding.
Carol: I think you're right--we need to refill our spiritual and emotional gas tanks more often than most, since we empty them fast!