Playing Hooky on Sunday & Grace

Playing Hooky on Sunday & Grace 

by Becky Dietz

I’m probably the only pastor’s wife who’s played hooky on Sunday morning...but yes, I did.   It wasn’t often. It was when I finally got overwhelmed.   I’d use the excuse of an upset stomach, a migraine, one of the kids having the sniffles—the excuse just didn’t matter.  I wanted to stay home occasionally.  The reasons were varied:  there was conflict in the church, I was tired of wrangling teenagers at church (Andy was youth pastor), I was overwhelmed with my own four young children, and probably the biggest reason was that I just never got a break from church.  I chose church—but church was also my husband’s job.  

And you know what?   It was ok.  God understood.  He knew my heart.  He knew I loved Him and the Church.  It’s no different than needing an occasional break from my husband or kids.  And you know what I did those Sundays I stayed home?   I stayed in bed.  I rested.  I enjoyed the quiet.  And I talked to God.  

It would have been more honest if I’d just said, “I need a break!”   But would the church have understood? Some would have...but younger believers might have been offended.  They wouldn’t have understood that I really loved the Church and that I just needed a break. Not to mention that Andy would have had to explain my need to take a break all morning.  

Grace.  As pastor’s wives, we never give ourselves enough grace.  We’re constantly trying to live up to the expectations of others when we really only need to please the audience of One.  And He’s full of grace.  

I’m praying you live immersed in that grace!  If you do, you’ll probably never have to play hooky like I did.