If I could, I would give you a standing ovation.

If I could, I would lighten your load, brighten your day, and provide your every need.

If I could talk to you, I'd tell you, "What you do matters. You play an intricate role in the kingdom of God. Your life blesses and influences more people than you realize. Only eternity will reveal the far-reaching impact of your ministry. God is a good bookkeeper. He will reward you.

Please don't be distracted by petty people. There is more good than bad in the world - in ministry - in people. Keep your eyes on the prize.

 

"I know it's not easy, but anything of value is worth some effort. Don't let anyone or anything deter you from the path God has for you. Lean on Him. Rest in Him. It is only by His might and power that anything is accomplished anyway." (See Zechariah 4:6.)

Why?

Because you are a minister's wife. You are unique. You are on a mission from the throne. You hold in your hands the power to lift, love, restore, heal, strengthen, and help. Much is expected of you. So much responsibility rests on your shoulders.

The first pastor's wife I can remember from childhood was kind, gentle, and had a servant's heart. She never wore a new dress on Easter Sunday because there were those in the congregation who could not afford one. Their feelings were more important to her than her desire to wear something new. 

Several other ministers' wives have come into my life through the years. I have discovered that these ladies were not poured from the same mold, they were not destined to walk the same path, and they were not one-size-fits-all. Not all of them sang like a mockingbird, ministered to the hurting like Florence Nightingale, and cared for the masses like Mother Teresa.

Yet each lady was hand-selected, carefully constructed, and specially appointed to serve "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

 

I appreciate you.
I admire you.
I respect you.
I am praying for you.

Forgive me if at times I expect too much of you. You are perfect. Not without flaw, but perfectly fitted in the kingdom of God as long as your goal is to please Him.

I have lived long enough to realize my own limitations and inability to make everyone happy all the time. How can I expect that of you?  

God selected the best when He chose ministers' wives.

 

"Thou ... art my servant ... whom I have chosen ... Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee ... and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:8-10,13).