Several women were visiting in a medical center while awaiting their turn to see the doctor. Each was telling how extremely busy she was—no time for this, no time for that. Suddenly a minister's wife entered. She looked fresh as the morning, and her attire was neat, bespeaking good taste in every way. She stepped to the desk, paid a bill, and exchanged a few friendly words with the kind receptionist. Turning to leave, she smilingly nodded to the waiting women and was gone.
"We should have married ministers! Then we could have an easy life too," said the one who had just had the most to say about her very busy life.
"I often see that little woman out riding with her husband, and she attends most of his meetings," said another. Then she added, "Her children are in school, so she really must live a life of leisure."
The third speaker was not so sure that the kind woman under discussion lived a life of ease. "I never thought that ministers nor their wives have an easy life," she said, and enumerated some of the problems that they are called on to solve.
"Ah," replied the one who had opened the discussion, "the ministers and their families can sleep in whenever they like, go when they feel like it, and eat when they are in the mood to do so. That is why they always look so fresh and show no wear."
The receptionist, who was a chum of the minister's daughter, had been a guest in her home, and knew something about the busy program followed there. She could scarcely hold her peace. Soon the one who had spoken so freely was called by the nurse. After she left the waiting room, another patient said to the two remaining women, "I listened in on your conversation. The woman whom the nurse just called surely has the wrong idea about a minister's home program." Then the receptionist spoke up: "You are so right! I think a minister's wife has more to do than many people realize. I would like to see Mrs. ———— follow our pastor's wife for just one day. She would be worn out from merely trying to keep up with her."
The second woman who had added her share of misconstruing was silent, but she made up her mind that she would find out how late the pastor's wife slept in the morning.
The minister's wife had arisen at her usual time the next morning. Breakfast was over, worship had been held, the dishes were washed and beds made, appetizing lunches had been packed, and the children were off to school in clean, fresh clothes. Two neighbors then came in, one to get a good bread recipe, and the other for some information and help on a problem that worried her. Their visit was interrupted by a call from over the garden fence.
"Yoo-hoo! Mrs. ————! Can you come over a minute? My mother is ill, and she is so discouraged. Maybe you can bring her a little cheer this morning."
The other two neighbors left. Mrs. ———— took the scissors and quickly cut a few flowers, arranged them attractively, and went to the sick mother's bedside. Both the flowers and the friendly visit were greatly appreciated. Before Mrs. ———— departed, she knelt down by the sufferer and prayed in her behalf. This was an unusual and blessed experience for the little mother.
An "Early" Caller
Back home once more, Mrs. ———— had just finished ironing her husband's shirts and a dress for her ten-year-old girl when the telephone rang. A strange voice asked, "Is this Mrs. ————? I am an early caller. I hope I did not get you out of bed."
"Out of bed at nine o'clock!" exclaimed Mrs. ————. "I have almost forgotten about the bed. Such a luxury is not for our home. The morning work is well out of the way, and I was ironing when the telephone rang."
"May I speak to Pastor ————?" came the re quest.
"Pastor ———— is not at home," answered Mrs. ————. "He was called out an hour ago to help a young man fill out his questionnaire from Uncle Sam. May I help you?"
The voice was silent. Then Mrs. ———— asked, "Who is this speaking please?"
"You don't know me," was the reply. "I will come to see you and Pastor ———— this after noon." Mrs. ———— told of their full booking for that afternoon. "A funeral at one o'clock. Hospital calls after that. A Bible study at four, three miles out in the country. From five-thirty to six, supper; sixty-thirty, worship and a few minutes with the children; seven-fifteen to seven forty-five, committee meeting; and prayer meeting at eight o'clock. If you will kindly give me your name and telephone number, I will have the pastor call. I am sure he will see you as soon as possible, unless it is a real emergency. Shall I have Pastor ———— call you?"
Mrs. ———— spoke kindly, but silently the receiver was hung up and no name was given. The caller had satisfied herself that the receptionist and the other women were right—that the pastor and his wife were really busy people. Yes, the life of a true shepherdess is indeed a full one. She has the same household duties as has any ordinary housewife, with the added responsibilities that often take her away from home. Her husband needs her by his side in much of his work. He is the shepherd of the church and she the shepherdess. Their work is closely related, and their toil never ends.
Besides her duties to her pastor-husband, home, and children, she is always called upon to lead out or at least help in various activities in and out of the church. Her home is ever to be an example of kind hospitality and good will. Visitors and telephone calls are many. She meets them all cheerfully and kindly if she possesses the priceless quality of being tactful. Tact is the gracious gesture that cushions the sensitive soul against the harsh impacts in life, and the shepherdess often serves as a cushion between misunderstanding hearts. She shields, protects, and lightens the burdens of many.
A minister's wife is called on any hour of the day for counsel, and often for confidential help. Therefore she needs much of heaven's guidance and help. With the gentle voice, kind lips, and discreet heart that God gave to her as a woman, she endeavors to soothe and heal. In her tenderness she embraces the aches and pains of many. In times of misfortune, calamity, disaster, and death she is often a solace, a comforter, and a helpful sympathizer. The Scriptures give woman this honorable mention whether she is a minister's wife or not. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" (Prov. 31:26).
A true minister's wife feels every burden that weighs upon her husband. Though she never presses her opinions on her minister-husband, she is ever ready to counsel with him when he feels there are certain matters that he just needs to "talk out" quietly. Her understanding eyes meet his at all times like two bright stars of hope, shining with the assurance that he has nothing to fear, that she will stand by him to her last breath.
She looks well to her inner life so that she may indeed be a competent helper. She seeks that better part, which is spiritual beauty. In sharing a life of faith and prayer she and her husband are linked with the power of heaven. There they anchor their souls in the Infinite One who never fails them in joy or perplexity. The pastor in his efforts to minister to the spiritual needs of his flock will speak peace to troubled souls committed to his trust with far more zeal and tenderness when he has the full backing of his good wife. He is comforted by the assurance that his wife gives her wisest and best to their home and children (for he and she must safely guard that blessed heritage). Yet her heart does not grow cold toward those outside the home. Some who are too timid in the pastor's presence often turn to her for counsel and help. Wisely she does her best, and then directs them to the pastor for further help if she cannot fully meet the problems. Thus they work in full harmony in all matters pertaining to the kingdom. She is not intended to be his mouthpiece but his helper.
The minister's wife is human. She has to con tend with human weaknesses. She may not be perfect, but if she has the right vision of her many duties, she will bend every effort to fill nobly her sacred place as the minister's wife, even though hers is far from being an easy life.
