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Today I went to Children’s hospital in St. Louis. I visited with a young man from our congregation who is very sick. I stood by his bed listening to him voice some of his fears. Tears came easily for him as he expressed the thought that he might not ever get any better. I thanked him for sharing with me and had prayer. On my way to the parking lot I rode the elevator with parents whose child was very ill and they were in tears. Walking across the parking lot I thanked God for my two healthy sons and their families. God has been good to me in so many ways. Yet, I feel ashamed that it took a trip to Children’s hospital to get me to see some obvious blessings that I just live with and don’t thank God enough for giving them to me. Today I praise God for being able to walk, talk, and just breathe.
Today ‘bad’ weather reared it head. The streets are slick and many schools have been cancelled. I walked to work this morning and got many things done. I went out for lunch and when I came back everyone had gone home early for the day. I am sure the weather caused them to go home before they got snowed in. So, I sat down and began to work in the church all alone. It is quite a different feeling to be in the church all alone. As I sat at my desk I glanced out the window I felt God’s presence entering my office. Suddenly I knew that I was not alone and that I am never alone. I like that idea. In fact it gives me courage and peace. No matter what comes my way I am not alone. I wish I had that feeling every moment of my life. However, there are times when I fall prey to feeling alone and feeling the pain of that thought. But for now I will just soak in God being with me as I work on in a church with no one in it but me and God.
Phyllis and I are daily thanking God for the many blessings that we have living in the good old USA. We have space, food, sights, and many others that make us feel like we live like ‘kings and queens.’ We enjoyed seeing our family and spending time daily with our grandson. What a joy that God blesses us with so much. I pray that I will always have a heart of praise for all that God does for me. It is good to get away to really appreciate what we have right here at home. There truly is no place like hom.
I just got down reading an email for my Bishop and she shared that two ministers that I know, Gene Mace and MileyPalmer, lost a granddaughter at the shootings at NIU. My heart goes out to them both. Their hearts must be broken and I wonder why such senseless happenings have to occur. I must spend more time alone with God and let him bring healing to my heart and life. Life brings many tragic events and only time alone with God helps me through these difficult times.
This Monday, February 4, Phyllis and I will be leaving for a trip to Beligium. I cannot believe that it is happening. I feel like I am abandoning my work but I need a break from my task every now and then. The main reason to go to Europe is to visit with our son and his family. As a proud grandparent I must say that the cute and smart grandson is the main reason for the trip. I will keep you updated and I want you to know that I love being a part of this church family. May you know that as I leave Illinois I will not leave it in my heart. As I use this days ahead to renew, please pray for me that I might be led of God in all that I do. I will let you know how the trip went after I get back.