The Shadow

Ok, so I have been wanting to write this post for some time now BUT I was a little leery of doing it because I don't want people to think it's a "Pity Party for Me Post" because the root of it is quite comical. All of my friend readers will laugh throughout this post because they know just how true these funny yet slightly disturbing instances are. For all of you who don't know me I am happily married and love my kids and you will just have to trust my word on that.

Since being FULLY thrust into full time ministry alongside of my husband my heart has rapidly grown sensitive towards P.W.s (pastor's wife). We are SO overlooked! And to be honest I would much rather be serving than to be served so for the most part that's ok but I mean can people at least learn my name??

Any of you who know my husband know that he has this natural gift of getting people to love him. You know that line, "You had me at hello"?? Yeah I think that was birthed from my husband because he walks in a room, simply introduces himself and leaves with a multitude of friends who then ask him to speak at their churches, call him for advice, want to hang out and so on. Yeah, I don't have that gift. You all know it's true!

So the other day we are out at the movies and see a young adult who has visited our ministry a couple of times. My husband already had our seats and I was running to the bathroom when we lock eyes and I smile and say, "Hey C!" She looks at me smiling and says, "Pastor Mario's wife!" Uhh, yeah I am proud of that BUT I do have a name. So what she forgot...she was off to find my husband so that her husband could meet him before ever asking how I was or kindly apologizing for forgetting my name.

I have also learned that my identity is totally void when my kids aren't with me. I go into a card shop EVERY week, EVERY WEEK folks and just the time I go without Dalen the owner has no idea who I am! She knows both of my kids by name, even gives them free snacks and treats but when they aren't with me I must just become a "new" customer! I mean seriously I am the one dropping $10 weekly on cards to send to friends not my kids.

I don't know what it is about me that is just not memorable but it's not there. I just know my friends are laughing at this because it just so true! Don't worry I am laughing too because honestly I am done trying to figure it out. Oh, and of course I can't forget our usher at church WHO STILL doesn't know I am P. Mario's wife. Literally every Sunday she tries to escort me to a pue in the back when we sit in the same seat in the front every week! One Sunday our conversation went like this...

Usher: Hello, follow me!
Me: Walk behind her dreading the awkward realization that I am not a newcomer I am the youth pastor's wife. So I keep walking and let her know yet again I already have my seat on the front row by my husband's reserved paper.
Usher: She quints, tilts her head and says this (no lie!) Well, I guess it is you! You have just gotten pretty!
Me: Thinking-Hmm, JUST GOTTEN PRETTY? What was I our first Sunday....CHOPPED LIVER?? lol

So if any of you youth pastor's wives are reading...from one Y.P.W. to another you are loved and appreciated! God sees everything you do and knows everything about you including your name!

In what ways do you think PWs are overlooked and how can you make them feel appreciated??