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I find this blog more difficult to write. The reason I am struggling is because Thanksgiving is approaching quickly. This Thanksgiving my spouse’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law will be joining us. My younger son and his spouse will also be joining our gathering on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
So, today I am working but longing for the holiday to get here quickly. Sure, I know that I should not wish life away but nonetheless I am looking forward to a day to enjoy with the family. So, let me say it boldly. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!!! May your day be filled with thanks to a great God who moment by moment has blessed us all.
Last week my throat felt sore. I sucked on some cough drops and didn’t think much about it. Then I found myself awake a night coughing. The next thing I knew I was feeling miserable. So, a trip to the doctor confirmed that I have a ‘bad’ cold. Medicine was ordered and I took it and today I feel some better but still have a ways to go before feeling back to my old self.
Sometimes we have to go get ‘professional’ help. With help we can get better quicker and suffer less. This is one of the reasons I go to two small groups. I listen to others who know more about some areas of life than I do. I not only listen but I learn some skills that I can use to help me suffer less. As I approach the Thanksgiving season I am thankful for others who have helped me through life in many ways.
Today I found out that a friend of mine passed away. He had been sick for a couple of weeks but I never dreamed he would die. He was a gentle soul and donated many hours of life to serve others. I had been praying for days that he would recover and be allowed to live a full and productive life. I know that death comes to all but at this moment I wish Ted was given more life. I feel pain for his widow and sons and daughter. I talked with his wife and she is obviously in shock. Shock is really a good word to describe how I feel too.
So, now I find myself pouring out my heart to God. Why did this happen and why now? I understand that now Ted is a rest and ‘in a better place.’ But still I wonder. In the midst of my struggling I know that I must trust God to know best. Despite my feelings of lost my faith has taught me to trust.
So, at this moment, I am asking God for His help in trusting. I pray healing will come to this family and to me. I am asking that God’s love and comfort will come to all in their time of need.
I write these words on a Monday. In case one may have forgotten it yesterday was Sunday. Sundays are a busy day at our home. Yesterday it was up early and getting ready to go to an the first of three worship services. In practical terms that means being at the church by around 8am to be ready for the 8:30 service. Yesterday was our Stewardship Sunday. I counted it a joy to ask for members to consider the amount of money they would estimate they would be giving to the Church next year. In between the three services is a time for Sunday school and a time to socialize with the friends and members of the church. It is also a time when those with issues can find me and talk to me about their concerns. Yesterday was no exception. I heard about some strange happenings and listened to some complaints about this and that. By the time I leave the church (usally around 12:30 or 12:45) I feel a bit drained. As happens frequently I find myself at a meal with some church members and again I hear all times of suggestons and ideas. Usually by 3pm I am home and feel like a nap is on the schedule. But the day is not over. I found myself back at the church by 5:45pm getting ready to listen to a musical group. They did a great job. I listened again to many ideas and thoughts and did my best to represent Jesus. I finally went home around 8:45pm.
I write all of the above to let you know that Sundays drain me in many ways. It is the only time that some of the church members and friends get to be in touch with me and therefore I do receive a lot of verbal communication. So, today, Monday I sit at my desk and am trying to regroup. I am seeing what needs to be done in light of what happened yesterday. I learned of a death in a family and need to connect with them. I need to make sure our financial campaign is on schedule. We have to mail out letters to those who for whatever reason missed yesterday. I need to check on the sick I heard about yesterday. And this is not the entire list. So today I type away and down deep within in me I know that God will bring refreshment and renewal. He always does. I know that by Tuesday the week will seem much simpler. May God bless our Mondays.