Tuesday, December 17, 2019

December 17 – “Breathing a little easier …”


Well, another early morning it was.  Not as early as Bethlehem Market day, but still a rather first-thing-in-the-morning day.  Why?  Not anything so glamorous as preparing for hundreds of people to come through the facilities searching for the right Christmas gift for Johnny and Tammy and Freddy and Sue.  I just had to meet the Bug Guy for our regular pest removal treatment.  And he was going to be at the church at 8 a.m.  Oh, and Bug Guy Steve is never late.  In fact, of all the times I have met him for these early appointments, he has been in the parking lot waiting for me every single time.  And this one was no different.  

The treatment really doesn’t take that that long, so Steve was soon on his way to deprive some carefree termite of his breakfast.  Meanwhile, Chris and I began the daunting task of tearing down decorations and vacuuming the retreat center after the big market weekend.  Not that we could come remotely close to finishing.  The bunks still have to be returned to their rightful places in the building, and with my neck disc acting up Chris will absolutely not let me have any part of that.  We did undecorate and box up six Christmas trees.  We had to go to WalMart later in the day to get some plastic crates to put the ornaments in, though.  Chris did some heavy-duty vacuuming, so the empty bunk room is ready to receive its missing pieces.  Maybe Sunday after church we can conscript some strong arms …

After a quick lunch I went to the hospital to see Ed.  He was fully awake and talking and insisting that he was doing his best not to be too ornery.  He still had the heart pump installed, though, and that was quite uncomfortable.  That, by the way, was removed late yesterday afternoon.  Now they wait to see how he does with heart function and bleeding control.  But we are all breathing just a little easier.

He did tell me the story of his day Saturday from his point of view.  It was nothing short of amazing.  I’ll admit I did jot down some notes, but it is his story.  Maybe he’ll OK me retelling it later …

John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Father, thank you again for touching Ed and returning him to us for a little longer.  Give him a clearer vision of your purpose for his life.   Give him and Lauren supernatural patience and your peace that passes all understanding.  Amen.

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