Musings of a Maraschino Cherry

District officials have a multi-faceted ministry. Besides administration, they often minister as guest speakers for anniversaries, mortgage burnings, and other celebrations. As a district official’s wife, I attended gazillions of special events which I began calling “maraschino cherry” days.

I started using that name at one homecoming when I realized that much of what was happening would go on even if I were not there. My husband greeted the congregation, former pastors spoke, charter members shared memories—joy oozed around me like gooey syrup on a hot fudge sundae. Suddenly I knew why I was there, though I was not doing a thing—I was a maraschino cherry!

You know how it is. When we want to make a dish very special, we plop a bright, red cherry on top, and when we have special days, we want someone special to share it with us. As a maraschino cherry, I did not have to do anything or say anything. My purpose was just being there, giving the gift of my presence.

Being a maraschino cherry gave me opportunity to observe ministers’ wives in many contexts. I concluded that their position was one for which there was no exact job description. Young ministers’ wives frequently asked me about the proper role for a minister’s wife. My reply was always the same. “You have to answer that question personally according to your call and gifts, always considering the desires of your husband and the needs of your congregation. Sometimes you may be active, sometimes supportive. Sometimes you may just need to be there for someone—like a maraschino cherry on a hot fudge sundae