My Pastor's Wife

I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming our pastor's wife yesterday to speak at the MOMS' group I lead in my home. We've been meeting for about 2 years together and she's actually spoken 2 or 3 times now. Tuesday morning, she spoke on "Reflecting The Father."

As she spoke, I kept watching her and listening to her. Her mannerisms and little "asides" are very familiar to me. Her heart for purity and holiness in all she does was shining through. Her easy, approachable manner made her words sweet and palatable, even though they challenged something in me. And I marveled at how well I've seen her "Reflect the Father" as she's grown into the woman that she is.

I've had a unique opportunity to watch this woman grow. I've seen and experienced many of the same life circumstances that have molded her to CRAVE His image and likeness. I've been in the same trenches, and now raising kids together in the faith of our father. And our Father. You see, this woman that sat before us today to share the heart of the Lord for mothering our children is my sister. She is younger than many pastors' wives that I've served under in the past, but she is gifted with a clarity and wisdom that is beyond her years. She and my brother-in-law are walking our church family through a transition of leadership, and have been appointed interim pastor for this season. She carries a love for these people and a desire to see them live freely and wholly that can only come from God. She parents her children with much grace and mercy and honors the individuality of each child's wiring. She seeks information and resources when she is stumped - and she's not too proud to say that she doesn't have it all together. She is warm and loving, and a lot of fun to hang out with. And because she still likes to take some credit for this, she was wise enough even at 15 or 16 to point out to me that The Boss was a "keeper!"

I did not intend to start a series on my family, but events of recent weeks have been pressing on my heart and I feel so incredibly grateful for the legacy that my parents have created for our family. And I feel honor-bound to live that legacy to the best of my ability. And I am surrounded by family members who live their lives the same way. I am not by any means telling you our family is perfect. But sitting with my parents the other night, I caught a glimpse of the holy calling that they have burning in their hearts. That's the biggest change I remember happening when my dad got saved: we had a mission. In my little 8 year old spirit, that mission was to share Jesus with my friends and go with my family to Bible school. As I grew, I understood the more global idea of allowing the Father to mold my whole heart to beat like His heart. And now, for as long as I can clearly remember, my (our) mission has been to share the love of Jesus Christ to those in my path and to teach my children to do the same. And to be diligent in the pursuit of "Reflecting The Father."

So, Little Sis, you are reflecting your father. And Reflecting THE Father. And I'm honored and proud to serve under your leadership and join you in that journey.