Two
weeks and three days ago was one of the hardest days my wife and I have been
through. It was the day that our oldest
daughter had jaw surgery that included her upper and lower jaws being cut, put
in proper position and wired shut. Yesterday
we visited the surgeon in Richmond, and we learned that her recovery process is
going well.
The
days leading up to her surgery and after have brought a great amount of stress
into our home for our family. She
continues on a liquid diet which is also adding stress to our home. Yet this situation has allowed us to learn,
stress, lean on each other and on God as well as to see God work through
healing. We are grateful for all we have
been blessed with.
This
week has been loaded with stuff to do and some incredible people. About 65 people from all over Virginia have
come together in our community for the SBCV’s
ACTS 1:8 family camp. That includes
worshipping as a group, leading a VBS day camp during the morning and mission
projects in the afternoon. Tonight at
Jack Dalton Park from 5:30 to 7:30 is a free event for kids and families that
includes food, fun, inflatables and comedian Barry McGee. Join me and pass the word inviting people to
join us. And this week has kept me on my
toes.
We
have also experienced some of the sweetest moments as we have been part of our
nephew’s wedding. It really was awesome
and so good to be with family. In turn
we have been in some tearful situations due to the death of some loved
people. Our friend Leon White died just
3 weeks ago. This week one of our church
family’s aunts passed away. I sat with
the family earlier this week and listened to them share. Having a family is a blessing. There were tears, lots of laughs and sweet
memories sharing. Today is the
funeral. Pray for that family.
In the
mix of all those items there have been some tough situations that have tugged
at my heart. One of the men in our
church who battles addiction and mental issues has made some horrible
decisions. Another lady in our church
was threatened and in a great amount of fear.
Some couples in our church have been struggling with the end of their
relationships. These are some times when
my heart is very heavy. These are some
of them.
Through
our daughter’s surgery, the wedding, the funerals and all the other things I
have learned that we are stronger together.
Enjoying the wedding together.
Praying and having people reach out and pray for us. Crying with hurting families. Counseling those who are struggling. Working side by side with the mission
team. All of that is best done
together. We are stronger together.
Many
of you have made these weeks and situations much easier. I appreciate and love you guys. I especially am grateful for your
prayers. Keep them coming. Life is sweeter when shared with others!
Romans
12:15-16 NLT
Be happy with
those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live
in harmony with each other. Don’t be too
proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
James 5:16 NASB
Therefore,
confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The
effective prayer of a righteous
man can accomplish much.
Galatians 6:2 NASB
Bear one another’s burdens,
and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 5:16 NASB
Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is
in heaven.
Comments