How many times have I sung the Sunday mornings blues? Feeling sorry for myself that I had to get my children ready by myself and look presentable as a pastor’s wife. On my way to church this morning I was thinking about one such crazy morning that things didn’t go as planned.

Bryan was on a trip overseas and Gabriel, our now 13 year old, was a baby. I would usually get myself ready and then get him ready. I was dressed in my suit, heels and hose (glad times have changed) and had finished feeding Gabriel. I held him up and he started choking. I immediately flipped him over and gave back blows to dislodge whatever was stuck. When I held him upright he threw up all over me. It was in my hair, all over my freshly pressed suit, and running down my hose.

I quickly cleaned and changed him then it was on to me. Fortunately, I found an outfit that didn’t need ironing and threw it on. For the hair, I have to be honest and tell you I just used a wet wipe to get rid of the vomit because I had no time to wash it. I think I did some deep breathing exercises on the way to church. I couldn’t believe I made it on time for sound check.

Bryan has always done whatever he could to help me with the kids, but Sunday mornings are gametime for a pastor. I had to learn to plan for the inevitable. I would press all the clothes the night before, pack the diaper bag, and sometimes even put the cereal already in the bowls. My children have eaten many a granola bar on the way to church too.

I realized early on that each Sunday morning could be a challenge or I could do as much as possible to make it easier on everyone.

• Bryan and I discuss nothing contraversial on Sunday mornings.
• Our kids go to bed early like it is a school night.
• Plan ahead with clothes. Decide the night before what we are wearing and get it ready. Even the socks and shoes set out.
• Not worry about the house on Sunday morning, unless we are having company, then get it ready on Saturday except for the dishes. This might be a granola bar morning to make it easier.

I have learned that it is more important for there to be peace in our home than everything to be perfect. My house will still look the same when I get  home as it did when I left.