It will never reach the perfected humor that I would love to achieve, but oh well.
Here are my thoughts on life as a rural pastor.
You know you are a rural pastor when...
... you receive roasts as appreciation for the job you are doing. And yes, I mean the raw cuts of meat from an animal (in my case a lovely pork loin roast).
... the season's are marked as, planting, growing, harvesting, and hunting.
... worship services are planned around milking times.
... snowmobiles only strike you as an unusual mode of transportation to church when the morning kill is strapped to the back.
... service is canceled because the people can't get out of their driveways (whether or not it actually snowed during the night).
... you are encouraged to offer tractor blessings (and even exorcisms if needed ;).
.... you need a 4-wheel drive to make it to half your congregations homes if there is any ice, snow, rain, or mud (see entry from March 17, 2010).
... lunch
is any sort of sweet accompanied by coffee before, during, or after a meeting.
... pudding mixed with crushed cookies counts as a salad (much to the delight of children everywhere).
... the local convenience store/gas pump also has the spare keys to the church building.
... the mayor of the town plows your driveway every time it snows.
... the local newspaper will announce when you arrive, when you appear at events, when you have company, if you end up with a speeding ticket, and when you leave. (Note that I did NOT end up with a speeding ticket!)
... it is as likely to see a tractor parked in front of a store as any other vehicle.... people welcome you into their hearts, homes, and lives with warmth and caring. (Okay, and with a little bit of a knowing smile waiting for the 'city pastor' to do something a little crazy.)
My time in southwest
Minnesota was truly fantastic. I enjoyed living in a rural setting, and getting to know some very wonderful people. I was blessed to be able to have an internship that was so encouraging.
Please comment if you have other instances to add!
