I live in a Fishbowl...............
and I can't get out! 

I live in a fish bowl and I can't get out! That's what I used to think.  I assumed because I am married to a pastor and in ministry that

I was destined to a life of  judgment from others.  People would always be looking to see what I was wearing, what kind of car I drive, and if my child has appropriate table manners.

Recently, I was in conversation about whether pastors should drive luxury cars or not.  Would driving a blinged out Mercedes send the right message?  What's the perception of someone owning a BMW?

Last fall, Bruce and I were on our way to church.  We passed a bank that had a gorgeous silver Range Rover sitting on their lot.  The For Sale sign lured my husband in to get a better look-I mean drool-at it.  For as long as I've known him, the Range Rover has been his dream car.

He thought about that car for days.  Finally, he called the bank.  It was a 2006 model with low mileage. Because it was a repo, the bank was taking any and all offers.  After a quick test drive, my husband was hooked. 

Heather Moore

You'd have to know my husband to know that the man never, and I do mean never, pays retail for anything.  He always works a deal.  So he threw out a ridiculously low offer.  Like so low, I had to choke back the laughter.  Like so low, I guarantee you the banker was offended. I am not sure you could have even bought a clown car for what he offered.

Now back to the conversation I mentioned earlier.....how would people perceive him driving a luxury car.  Would they assume we are way over paid?  Would they think he was too flashy?

Maybe.

However, I have recently come to the realization that I cannot make decisions about my life based upon how I think others will or won't perceive me.  If every time I go to purchase a blouse, I am consumed with wondering if others will like it or if it might be the subject of gossip, then I will go insane.  In fact, I'll live a miserable life.

Enter the fishbowl.

In good conscious, I could pray for the Land Rover because I know how hard my husband works.  I know our budget vs. what we give to the Kingdom of God.  I know his desire to do whatever God asks of him.  So, I prayed that God would bless him for his faithfulness.

In the end, Bruce did not have the winning bid.  No shocker there.

This is one pastor's wife that has realized she can get out of the fishbowl.  I only live in a fishbowl, if I allow others to put me there.

This year I am committing to live for the approval of One.  I'll make decisions on what to drive, what to wear, how to parent, and a whole host of other issues based upon one thing-will my decision please God?

Exit the fishbowl.

And for the record, we struggle to keep my hand me down Pathfinder running.  We've been at the church since September and my husband has yet to receive a paycheck. And my daughter is prone to pick her nose at mealtime....she's two.

Judge me if you want.  I just won't be getting back into that fishbowl!

Are you living in a fishbowl?  What prevents you from getting out?

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