A New Experience

On Feb. 2, 2009, my sister had surgery in Alabama. This was the first hospitalization for her. Therefore, neither she nor I really knew what to expect as the days unfolded. I had the opportunity to spend 3 nights at the hospital with her to be of help and comfort. Everyone is right--you don't get to sleep in the hospital!! We were awakened multiple times for various inquiries, vital checks, medications, and whatever else was needed during the wee hours of the day.

Overall, we had wonderful nurses who provided both excellent care and kind, encouraging words. Our patient proved to be a very courageous, strong, and enduring lady. I was and am quite proud of how she managed herself. She tried very hard to do everything asked of her and her patience far outshined mine in some ways.

I experienced hospital food--or lack thereof--no, jello is not always available there--it took a whole day to obtain some!! No bar-b-que and fried okra is not a welcoming 1st solid food meal for someone who's just had adominal surgery!! (Okay, so her hungry big sister did eat it). And yes, one can survive briefly on saltine crackers and water.

God has blessed. My sister is recovering well at home now, anxious to regain her strength and independence but willing to wait as necessary. She is able to enjoy real food and her own bed which certainly lifts up anyone's spirit.

I truly am grateful to my work, my church and my friends here that took up my slack while I was gone to Alabama. Many have expressed continued prayers for her and we thank you.
God is so good. We know better days are ahead but even during these "not so great" ones, God is with us and supplying what is needed.

I hope it's a very long time before anyone else I know has to experience a hospital stay. But if they do, I know God will prove as loving and faithful then as He has been to us.

Stay well!

Would it really help?

We're now into Exodus in our chronological reading. I have read this book several times in my lifetime. As I've read it this time though, I have been more aware of how often God told Moses the same information about Moses' new task/role as the deliverer of the Israelite people. Many times God spelled out the exact things that would happen before, during and after the exodus. He gave Moses specific directions and many times promised His own presence to be with him. God even told Moses this whole adventure with Pharaoh would be successful!! But what did Moses do with such knowledge?? As far as I can tell, not much. He continued to highlight his own feelings of inadequacy and lack of skills, etc. He continued to see the problems (real and imagined) rather than look at the big picture God was giving him. It was as if he was almost deaf to what God was trying to tell him. Moses should have claimed this new calling with joy, with strength and with faith-filled purpose and with great enthusiasm. Regardless of Moses' response, God pursued His purpose to equip and use Moses to bring freedom for His people. Moses' opinions about himself didn't stop God from using him anyway!!

I found myself asking aloud---what would I do and what do I do when God does choose to give me explicit information about a task He's asking me to do for Him or with Him? Don't I do the same things as Moses--immediately highlight my own faults, lackings and hesitations. Does it really matter that God tells me promises and details. Sadly I must admit it, I act as if it doesn't matter. God gives me plain truths in His written word today and guides me by the Spirit in my heart and prayers and yet I "tune these out" to listen to my own shortcomings. Praise God that He doesn't stop giving me opportunities for service. I hope that like Moses, I will do the task anyway--exercising the faith I do have and ever asking for it to be increased.

Happy reading!!