The Things You Can't See

We received the phone call on Thursday evening last week, the son of friends of ours from church had been struck by a car while riding his bicycle. My heart sank. The phone report was optimistic, although he was bruised and battered it looked like he was going to be OK; in time. A quick 'thank you' prayer was offered up to God! I thought of this boy's parents and the anguish they were going through in a local emergency room. I thought of the friend who called us, she and her husband were on the scene just moments after the accident occurred, they had waited with our young friend until the ambulance arrived. Naturally, too, I thought about this boy and his physical pain and how frightened he must have been. And then, the second call came. My heart, at an already low level, sunk yet again. The driver of the car that struck him was a neighbor, a friend. She'd never seen him riding there, along side of the road as she slowed to make a right turn, she was almost home. He never saw her, either. He popped up off the side of the road to turn toward home, too... he was just a few yards from his own front door. I could only imagine her pain now, what has to be the worst nightmare of every single person who ever gets behind a steering wheel; a child, appearing out of nowhere, with no time to stop the car! I've seen our young friend since he has returned home, he's scraped up and bandaged, his wounds are visible to the world, he was playing a video game last evening and making plans to go back to school soon. He was talkative and hopeful for a speedy recovery. My neighbor's wounds are very different, they're not visible on the outside. Her pain is deep, debilitating and profound. Much like an iceberg, it's the portion below the surface that requires the most attention; her wounds will take time too, perhaps much more than the physical variety.

"Dear God, Help me remember that it's the things I can't see where
I need to pay the closest attention. I trust in you to lead me,
and open my eyes to all things, that I may be a blessing to those around me."

Life is Good!

Life Of Faith

Some of you who know me well might have noticed that I've been kinda quiet lately. Others may have thought they were getting a reprieve! No such luck. It's not like there's nothing going on, there is. I want to share with you words that I received today from my Pastor, he is a dear man; and this is precisely why I think so:

"The best part of our life of faith is not knowing what will happen, but Who will walk with us in the unfolding of life. If we knew in advance the difficulties of the journey we would be too afraid to move; but as it is God will watch over us and walk with us in all that is to come."

Aren't those terrific, comforting words? They are! Especially meaningful during Lent, I cherish them and offer them to you, today; wherever you are in your journey!

Life is Good!

Another Year, Another Task...

Last evening was our monthly Church Council meeting. December's meeting is concluded, each year, with election of officers. I have a new job for 2008, not VP again this year (who, by virtue of that office becomes the chair of the Personnel Committee); no, this time I was elected President! I handed off one ball from the juggling line-up and picked up another, something tells me that this ball won't be as large or as heavy... I hope I'm right. I don't see how, at this time, that it possibly could be. I'll spend the next few weeks happily getting the Personnel papers in order for our new VP, he'll do a fine job in that capacity. And so, here I go again... stepping into unchartered waters. I pray that I can live up to the faith and trust that's been placed in me, please join me in that prayer. In the meantime I'll have to sneak in therapy sessions with my Bernina when I can... that is 'sew' necessary for both preserving my sanity, and soothing my soul! Another year, another task; and so it goes.

Life is Good!