Rubber Gloves and a Sponge<\/p>\n
I had the opportunity to attend a clergy spouses retreat. I didn\u2019t know what to expect really.\u00a0 I have been to Synod retreats and I found those to be \u201cboring\u201d. But then again that\u2019s to go over Synod business. Now a spouse will not have the same \u201cbusiness\u201d. However, Spouses do have stress from the \u201cbusiness\u201d.<\/p>\n
When I think of retreats, I think of mini vacations.\u00a0 I think of it as sightseeing, getting a message, going shopping, and eating out at great restaurant; in general just playing for the weekend. No phone, no internet service, just a big playground.<\/p>\n
Okay some of that took place, but not all of it. This weekend was a time of spiritual renewal, networking with others and yes to relax. The food was provided by the hotel I was staying at.<\/p>\n
Friday night was check-in.\u00a0 We had dinner and a meeting time. During this time introductions were made, stories were shared and encouragement provided. There was a sense of grounding, a sense of understanding that we all share the same story; some good, some bad and some downright maddening.<\/p>\n
Saturday was more of the same until the afternoon. After lunch we had free time.\u00a0 I sat with some ladies, learning to cross stich again.\u00a0 I laugh as I love to do crafts, but I\u2019m not really good at any one craft. HAHAHA.\u00a0 Maybe I should just pick one and perfect it. Sorry for the derail.<\/p>\n
On Friday we were told every spouse should carry rubber gloves and a sponge, in the metaphorical sense.\u00a0 I was glad to hear that after the mess I had to clean up in my current home.\u00a0 Whoops so sorry for that squirrel moment.<\/p>\n
Rubber gloves are to help the bad things bounce off you.\u00a0 The sponge is to soak up those few and far between moments when all is right in the world and you feel overwhelming love.\u00a0 What a cool idea.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know what I expected when Doug chose this path to become a pastor. I guess all the spouse I have met, seemed normal and had outside careers.\u00a0 Now I totally understand why they have outside careers.\u00a0 I am now more thankful than ever to have my own job.\u00a0 No it\u2019s not just for the money either.\u00a0 My goodness, the spouse of the pastor is much harder than I ever expected. I now have stock in rubber gloves and sponges.<\/p>\n
Many churches think you\u2019re a packaged deal.\u00a0 When you hire the pastor you get a music director, a choir leader, a Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, and much more.\u00a0 I know your slapping your head thinking \u201cwhat?\u201d. The stories that were shared were unbelievable.\u00a0 Some of these ladies have been a pastor spouse\u2019s for over 30 years, some were retired now and shared their story.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I learned at the retreat:\u00a0 Carry rubber gloves and a sponge always. I am not alone, ever.\u00a0 God is with me and I have so much support from those spouses who have gone before me.\u00a0 Although I maybe having a rough time, I am not the first nor will I be the last to experience the \u201cpastors\u201d spouses life.\u00a0 I hope one day people can see the spouse as an individual, not a buy one get one free deal.\u00a0 No, not all churches feel that way, but even 1 is too many.<\/p>\n
Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rubber Gloves and a Sponge I had the opportunity to attend a clergy spouses retreat. I didn\u2019t know what to expect really.\u00a0 I have been to Synod retreats and I found those to be \u201cboring\u201d. But then again that\u2019s to … Continue reading