You know you're married to a pastor when....

The place of much spiritual growth for me: Jamestown Reservior

You know you are married to a pastor when he thinks it's attractive when you quote Bernard of Clairvaux.  Recently, I came across a quote on Vantage Point 3's blog from Bernard of Clairvaux.  Bernie is what we refer to as a "old dead guy".  Basically, these are guys that my husband would like to name a child (or at least a dog) after.  Athenasius is one, Luther, Calvin, and Wesley are a few others.

Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux stated, “If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. For a canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs.”  Having lived over 1000 years ago, this "old dead guy" hit the nail on the head and the words are still true today.

During my college days (when I was ultra hip), the loner in me used to spend hours by the reservior in my college town.  I would study out there, eat out there, and just be with God out there.  Some of the best times were when my friends Mike and Ibby would invite me to their home that overlooked the vast waters of the reservior.  Maybe, that's why this quote hit home with me.  Much of my spiritual formation has occured along the banks of a prairie reservior.

When we fill ourselves with God, we will have something to give.  So why is it, that we run from this?  Why don't we, why don't I, for that matter, slow down and fill our self with His goodness?  For some, this occurs when we hang out with other believers, other people, such as my husband, are studiers.  An introvert by nature, I need solitude.  I worry more about having dinner on the table, the dishes done and a clean house, than I do about being a reservoir of God's goodness, love and mercy.  So tonight, in honor of "old dead guys" like Bernie, the Prairie Parsonage family will be dining on pizza, eating off of paper plates because this mama is going to grab a cup of java, her Bible and spend some time with her maker. 

May you too, find a little time in your hectic day to reconnect with Him!