When your husband signs on to be the assistant
minister at a new church, it is actually, pretty daunting. You don’t know what you’re
in for. You don’t know what people will expect of you, what opinions they will
form of you, or what they’re really like. Will they be kind and loving to you
or not? I don’t think of myself as a “minister’s wife,” but other people often
do and sometimes that’s a very public, vulnerable place to be in.
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| This was the first gathering at our home |
I remember when I showed up for my first Sunday
service at Christ the King, little Lydia was only one and asleep in her
car-seat. Bo was up at the front doing his thing, so I randomly picked a spot
in the back. A woman turned to me, introducing herself, and then said, “Lilly,
I am so happy that you are here. This is really a wonderful place for you. You
will be loved and welcomed here.” She told me later, she didn’t know I was
married to Bo, but she thought I was just one of the “beautiful single mothers
at Christ the King.” She was embarrassed that she “didn’t know who I was,”
(please like she should? Most people don’t) but to me, this made her sincere words
even more meaningful.
As I walked out to mingle after the service one of
the cheekiest old men, I have ever met, came over and hugged me. Bo came up and
introduced me to him, “What?” he said loudly, turning to Bo, “This is your
wife? My opinion of you has just greatly increased.” By the time, Lydia and I
walked to the car to go home I was muttering under my breath, thanking Jesus to
be called to a loving church.
As I have settled into life with my new brothers and
sisters, there have been many more stories like these. They have done big and
small things to make us feel welcomed and loved and we have entered into a real
fellowship with them.
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| First meeting of a small group, now Sunday night service |
I am looking forward to more years of mutual
blessing with them and very thankful for a great year.
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