Teacher and Preacher

Recently, it hit me that Kyle and I have job titles that rhyme with each other (teacher & preacher).  This is likely on my radar as kindergarten students use rhyming words quite regularly.  I like to point out to  the children that "rhyming makes us better readers and writers".  They seem to believe this and find purpose in an otherwise meaningless skill.  Letter combinations are not the only similarities in our jobs.   Both are highly meaningful and satisfying callings.  Obviously, a pastor has a very distinct call, but I doubt any teacher can sustain the intensity and requirements of the profession without some sense of being called to the work.  I can only speak for myself, but daily I feel like I'm made for the classroom.  I don't feel this way in many other roles in life-- especially as a minister's wife.  ; ) 

People are another common factor in our vocations, especially the investment in particular individuals and families.  Whether in the pews, Sunday school classes, cafeteria or classrooms, people have needs, gifts, challenges, opinions, personalities, expectations and a multitude of unique characteristics.  Frankly, as a pastor's family, with one of us serving in the classroom, life can feel like a fishbowl at times.  Whether I run into a student at Target who looks at me like an alien from another planet (all the while beaming from ear to ear) or I have church members who watch me flounder with much prayer while raising teenagers, I rarely feel the leisure of anonymity.  I don't think Kyle would mind me sharing the obvious change in a social setting when someone finds out that he is a pastor.  He would love to interact without this relational dynamic many times. 

We both long for closure, to check off a to-do list and to be finished with "a task", something similar to April 15th for the tax folks in our midst.  I guess I have the advantage with the summer months where there is  time for renewal and refreshment.  If it weren't for a high sense of calling and an understanding that the grass is NOT greener on any side of the road, I would long for a life as a mail carrier and trash collector.   I certainly have a much greater desire to pray for MY pastor/preacher as he labors without a sense of ever clearing his plate or completing any of his work.  Do you remember to pray for your pastor?  I guarantee he lives a life with demands, most especially at home. 

Why the ramblings on life as a teacher and preacher?  Well, honestly, we both get weary.  We are both critiqued (good and bad) quite often.  You never get used to a job that is always before the public where performance reviews and expectations are constant and usually outside of your hearing. 

Thirteen years ago, a much younger minister's wife moved to Tampa, Florida.  A new and now dear friend asked me, "Is it hard being a minister's wife?"  I made light of this seemingly throw away question and answered, "No, it really isn't."  Today, I wish I could answer that probing and thoughtful question again.  I would tell him that I am unbelievably out of my comfort zone.  Still, I am overwhelmingly encouraged by the sustaining grace and faithfulness of God.  I am humbled by the abiding faith, prayers and sacrificial service of the people He brings into our midst.   With much eagerness and dependance upon the Lord, we are abundantly grateful for our callings.