I have been sick with some sort of stomach/intestinal ailment since Labor Day; today is October 6th. In all, I have lost 12 pounds and at least two suit sizes.
I am SO TIRED OF CRACKERS, SOUP, AND DIET SPRITE. I am also tired of going to the doctor's office (four times so far and counting!). I am tired of medical tests, blood tests, pharmacies, extra pills, and quick visits to the nearest bathrooms.
I won't go into any details. You get the picture.
Through it all, I have attempted - often in vain - to do my job as the pastor for the church. You just can't do this job in 20 hours per week. I have often failed miserably during the week, sometimes going bravely and hopefully to the office before 9AM - only to head home by 1:00 where I spend the rest of the day in bed hoping the next day will be better.
My old cat is delighted! But I am not.
My grandson - who is not quite two years old - cannot figure out what is up with me. One minute I am playing with him, chasing him around the yard or around the house, reading to him or watching movies of him on my phone, and the next minute I am in bed calling for anyone to come and get him so I can be in misery alone.
It is a rotten time, and I am tired of it.
But I have discovered something unusual...for some reason, Sunday mornings work pretty well for me. I have led worship each and every Sunday during this time, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. My sermons have been well-received and the prayers are well-done by any and all who participate in them. During the services, I am not thinking of how I feel; instead, I am thinking of what is next, or I am worshiping Him, or I am praying for someone, or I am singing. But I am not thinking of myself.
When the Apostle Paul asked God to take a "thorn from his side" and he asked God to do so three times, the Lord replied, "My grace is sufficient."
Perhaps I am have been praying for the wrong thing. Perhaps asking for the Lord's grace is what I have needed to do. Because it is sufficient...I know that.
But my grandson doesn't know it yet.
And neither does the cat.
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