“I don’t know how you do it!” they often say with exasperation and awe in their voice. Admiring onlookers into the mom life watch their pastor – their spiritual leader – change diapers, juggle food and feelings of little ones and teenagers alike, all while preparing for Bible study, lending a presence to the sick and suffering, and making ardent points in the finance meetings of the church. “Not all heroes wear capes!” she says with a chuckle and moves on to the next item demanding her thoughtful attention and spiritual readiness.
While it is often meant in beneficence and jest as a word of validation and cheerleading, what if we were to pause and wonder at this question with something more than platitudes. How does the pastor mom do it?