The Sabbath, Duty and Delight

I have been a pastor's wife since 1976 I thought I might, if for no other reason than God is faithful, have some things to share with other pastors' wives and wives of almost pastors. I asked a friend whose husband has been a pastor a fairly short time if there was an area she'd like to see me cover. This was her response.

"Having just survived another Sunday, here's a question: How do you learn to love the Sabbath when your husband is in the pulpit and you're stuck in the back row trying to keep kids quiet and still and hear the sermon? I must admit, it is an intense struggle not to fuss and whine when I wake up Sunday mornings. It used to be my favorite day, but I have to work really, really hard at it now."

I first commended her for asking the question; I don't think I ever have. I've been too caught up with surviving. As we look at this central question, it might be wise to consider some other questions . 1) Are you preparing the day before for the Sabbath? Are the clothes for each family member for Sunday clean and ready to wear? Have you laid out all the items you need to take such as your Bible, snack for the kids, the book you need to return? Do you know what you're having for lunch and if company will be invited? Have you prayed for the worship service, for those who will attend and their response? 2) Are you making the best use of the resources your church has to offer? Are there others who would gladly help with your children if asked? Is there a nursery you might use and if so under what circumstances do you feel it's appropriate? Is there a speaker in the nursery? The noise level may make hearing difficult but it would still be a help. 3) Do you have realistic goals for what you can accomplish on Sunday at church? Do you need to be finding time during the week to connect with others through e-mails, phone calls, or visits?

Perhaps we all need to look at my friend's question in light of God's sovereignty. He is in control of every person and every situation he brings into our lives. Instead of seeing everything in terms of added stress and a distraction from what's most important, we should probably be seeing them as opportunities put in place by God to further our growth and the growth of others. We tend to look at God's sovereignty as something that applies to the outcome of elections and the timing and severity of hurricanes. It also applies when your car gets a flat tire, your baby is miserable while teething, your toddler has to go potty just as your husband is making point three of his sermon. God often doesn't choose to let us know what blessings he is giving to us and others through the often odd assortment of things he allows to come our way each day. He does give us a greater peace and stability as we trust in his character and perhaps that is the best blessing of all. We should be praying every week that God would give us the grace to approach the Sabbath with expectancy as we wait to see how He might be working.






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