“How you doing today?”

As I filled my water bottle at a rest stop in southern Minnesota, I looked to my right to see two older men, sitting in an office.

“I’m doing fine–how ’bout you?” 

“Good, good. Going far?”

“Madison to Albert Lea. So, far but not too far.”

“ALBERT LEA? What the heck’s in Albert Lea?”

“Ha, ah, well, a church. My husband’s a pastor and we’re going to interview there.”

Short pause.

” … You’re a PASTOR’S wife??”

“Yep, sure am!”

“Well, you’re far too pretty to be a pastor’s wife. Do you sing?”

“‘Cuse me?”

“Do you sing? I mean, you kinda have to sing if you’re the pastor’s wife, dontcha? You gotta lead the choir and whatnot.”

“I do sing, and yeah, I guess a lot of us do! But there’s no choir at this church; more of like, drums and electric guitars.”

“Oooh, is this one of those churches where you get saved?”

“Yes.” Long pause. “…Is that okay?”

“Guess so. Do you like wearing dresses? Really, you’re just too good lookin’ to be a pastor’s wife.”

“Hm, I do like dresses, but I usually just dress like this.” (gesturing to my skinny jeans and tan hoodie.)

“You wear jeans to church??”

“Yeah …. lots of people do. Have you been to church lately?” (with a chuckle in my voice)

“Yep. Every week. I’m Catholic.”

Let me tell you, this conversation was one of the best ones of my life. It went on a while, and I was told, no less than five times how “good lookin'” I am. Far too pretty to be a pastor’s wife.

In the end, we talked more about faith, more about the church, a little about my kids, and I  wrote down my website and email address, promising them a free book if they email me (“On religion?” “No, on personal accountability.” “Ooo–that sounds good!”).

“You got some lipstick? You should wear some lipstick. Before that interview, you put on some lipstick, and you’ll just be all ready to go. Far too pretty to be a pastor’s wife….”

“Thanks gentleman–I just wanna keep you in my back pocket!”

“Email me and let me know about your husband’s job and I’ll tell ya again that you’re beautiful!”

I wonder if I’d worn my typical sweats and sweatshirt combo for this 4 1/2 hour drive if this conversation would have happened. 🙂

So, thanks Denny at the rest stop. You made this pastor wife’s day.