The phone rang just as he sat down to enjoy one of his favorite meals. It was one of the husbands at church. His wife had just been admitted to the hospital after having been rushed to the hospital emergency room. As was the usual procedure, he finished the conversation and stepped back into the dining area and told his wife he had to miss supper again and head on over to the hospital. It was a long drive and he'd probably not get back home til late. He'd grab a burger on the road.
If she knew, she would not have complained to some other ladies at church that he had not visited her today after she had that elective surgery to have that aggravating wart on her finger removed.
He got home after midnight, tired and worn out not just from driving but from praying with the husband over his wife and consoling bunches of family members. He grabbed a quick glass of milk, brushed his teeth and got down to say his nightly prayers. He dreaded it but tomorrow would be a busy day. It was Wednesday and he had not even started on his weekly sermon.
The course of study was grueling but he was forced to take it in order keep up with what he needed to do to maintain his ministry position. A book to finish reading and a paper to write before Saturday loomed on his horizon. He would finish on time though.....it's just the way it was unfolding.
If they knew, they would not complain about his spending "too much time" at home.
He had just finished reading the last chapter of the assigned reading and was about to start on his paper when the phone rang again. The secretary at church was calling about a man that had showed up at church. Destitute, dirty, hungry and desparate, the man was begging for help. He switched off his computer and got dressed and headed to the church. The man was waiting there and after the usual questioning and consolations, left with fifty dollars he had not had when he arrived. It was from the pastor's pocket. He got to bed after midnight...again.
If they knew, they wouldn't squabble so much about his salary come budget time each year. If they knew, they would not complain behind his back about sermons involving tithing.
Sunday arrived and God as usual had placed wonderful, soothing words into his mouth. As the people were filing out, many of them complimented his words and told him how inspiring they had been. All smiles, all filled with joy. They were looking forward to next Sunday.
If they only knew...............
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