Wisdom Passed Down

I've officially been a pastor's wife for three years.  Interestingly enough, it's everything and nothing that I'd thought it would be.  During our time in Little Rock, preparing for church planting, I was given some advice from two wise women who had been pastors' wives for decades.  Here are snippets of what they handed down to me:

1. The best pastor's wife is a wife that develops her own spiritual life.
2. Follow your giftedness, not everyone's expectations.
3. True friendships are premium.  It is a hard balance between being vulnerable and being guarded.
4. Your husband felt a call to ministry.  You felt a call to marry him, so the Lord has called you to a unique helpmate role unlike any other profession.  You can help him soar or be a thorn in his side as he accomplishes all God wants to do through him.
5. Receive what's been given, and don't take into account what hasn't been given.
6. Remember that God is more interested in your response to circumstances than He is in your comfort in the circumstances.
7. Praising God changes your perspective.
8. Your husband is on, more than off.
9. Eyes are always on you - see it as an opportunity.
10. Realize the profound role you play in how well your children will follow their father and Christ - and their attitude toward the church.

Thank you, Carolyn and Judy, for your both encouraging and convicting words.