by Rev. Martha Blackburn

There are unique things about being in pastoral ministry.  You carry the responsibilities and concerns 24/7.  Also, a few people sitting in the pew have suggestions about how you can do life and ministry better, and you sometimes have to miss events of your own family because of responsibilities.

If our son complained about his father not being able to attend an event in which he was involved, I pointed to other professions, a fireman, a policeman, or a doctor, that prevented parents from being able to attend all the events of their children.  I emphasized the numerous times his father made special arrangements and scheduled time for him and pointed out how the church people supported him.  When he played sports, sometimes 50 or more people from our church would be in the stands yelling and cheering for him.  Families in the church invited our son to join their family in activities in which his father was unable to participate.  Due to his father’s health issues, we were seldom able to travel.  We learned to have picnics in the living room, pool parties in the backyard, and invited those who had no family close to join us in holiday celebrations.

Now as an adult, my son asked, “So mom, are you telling me I did not have a normal life growing up?  I thought it was great and very normal!”

I have not always chosen the right attitude, but when I ask the Lord to help me choose well He does.  Choose your attitude for it will influence your life, the life of your family, and beyond.

Rev. Martha Blackburn has been in ministry all of her life and is a mother of two pastors.  She currently presides as the Director of Wesleyan Women out of The Wesleyan World Headquarters.  To ask Martha a question please contact her at blackburnm@wesleyan.org.

Tags: Married & Couples, pastor, Soul Mates

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