A Shepherdess' Talents

It has been a real inspiration to me to read recent articles in THE MINISTRY magazine written by ministers' wives, dealing with the role of the wife as an effective helpmate. After reading these articles I have often silently ex­claimed, "Oh, to be a minister's wife like that!" That silent wish has prompted the writing of the following lines.

Some time ago in my life as a minister's wife

I had to look squarely at myself and realize that

I could not possibly be all the things that some wives are. It was an encouragement to me to realize that no two people are alike, but that each of us in our own small way can be a good minister's wife—perhaps not so talented or out­standing as others but nevertheless effective. We must consider the talents we have and use them to the best of our ability. When we do this, God can use us as well as He does our more talented sisters.

Of course, there are basic principles that all ministers' wives would do well to observe. They have been reiterated so many times that we should know them by now.

My burden is for the things that even I can do to make me a better helpmate to my minis­ter husband, and to help his ministry to be more effective.

1. The minister's wife can maintain an or­derly, well-regulated home. It is important that the husband should have good, nourishing food, in order that he may have the best pos­sible health. For it is a fact that the minister's life is not the easiest. The home can be kept clean and neat so he need never be embarrassed if he drops in at any time with unexpected com­pany. Thrift is one of the most important as­pects of the minister's life, and a wife who can stretch the budget does her husband a great service.
2. The minister's wife can be a good mother. So long as the children are young, the minis­ter's wife will be confined largely to the home. The effectiveness of the ministry is greatly hampered by disobedient children. Children love hobbies and these provide wonderful out­lets for their overflowing energies.
3. The minister's wife can cultivate a cheer­ful disposition. Of necessity, the minister has to settle various problems of one kind and an­other, but it should not be necessary for him to settle minor home problems as well.
4. The minister's wife can mind her own business. Fortunately, the business of the church board and the other committees of the church are not the concern of the minister's wife, generally speaking. By not knowing some of the things that transpire on these various committees, she can save herself and her hus­band many embarrassing situations.
5. The minister's wife can be friendly. Prove to the people that you really love them—not only by words but by actions. Be careful to write Thank-you notes to all those who do small favors for you. If you take time to do this small courtesy, the people will have no doubt that you love them.

Take time to call those who are ill, and be especially kind to the elderly. Make it a point to remember the children's names and speak to them whenever possible. Greet the visitors and make them feel welcome; they will be much more likely to return. Try to remember facts about people and their relatives (their sick aunt, et cetera) and inquire about them peri­odically. In other words, be interested in your people. Take a special interest in the youth. Young people appreciate and remember the smallest attentions.

     6. The minister's wife can study and pray daily. A wife who does these things will obviously enrich her husband's ministry. They may seem Like small, routine procedures in the life of a minister's wife, but truly they are real talents that can be used by even the plainest, most timid wife to enrich her husband's ministry.