Driving on Patience Street

I am not always a patient person.  I often times struggle with having to wait.  I know patience is a virtue – but it seems to be a virtue I am lacking at times.  These last couple of weeks I have found myself in lengthy waits that taxed my patience.  The first was two weeks ago at the hospital with Brenda and Gracie.  Brenda had some tests being done and I was in charge of Gracie.  As Gracie and I were on one of many explorations down the hallway an elderly woman sitting in a chair commented on Gracie’s energy.  I said, yes – sometimes she has too much! 

The lady responded by saying, ‘no such thing’.  She had a face wrinkled by time - creased by the years she had seen.  I enjoyed speaking with her - and listening to what she had to tell me.  She shred the story of her daughter who passed away at a young age (in her very early teens) because of an illness that left her very lethargic.  Her husband reminded her many times of the blessings they received while she was with them.  His focus was not on what the daughter wasn't, but what she was and the joy she brought to both mom and dad.  I was humbled and reminded of our blessing with Gracie’s health and exuberance.  Before I had an opportunity to thank the elderly lady, she got up out of her chair to lead another couple to their next doctor’s appointment. 

This last week I spent several afternoons at the DMV trying to get a title for my Saturn VUE.  I was there two separate days for approximately 2-3 hours all together.  I was waiting on a fax from Chase Manhattan in Texas showing I had paid the vehicle off in 2005.  When I recognized I was growing impatient I took a moment to pray for each DMV staff person, one at a time.  I imagine they deal quite a lot with impatient people.  I also began to read a book I had brought about Old Testament stories, written by Dr. Ellsworth Kalas (one of my preaching professors in Seminary).  As I was reading, a gentleman stopped to talk with me, recognizing the book and thinking he recognized me.  He said I looked exactly like a missionary back from England who would be at their church for the next six months.  I had a wonderful conversation with him and learned a bit about his church.  I appreciate his stopping and talking with me. 

So, hopefully I am learning to be more patient and seeking blessings when I am forced to wait and don’t want to! 

Helping Hands

Earlier this week we had an early evening visitor – a man making a journey to the east coast.  He had been in the Appleton area of Wisconsin for some time.  He was a victim in 9/11 and for various reasons moved to Wisconsin following that.  As he was journeying back to the east coast he needed some help – in this case he needed gas to make it to his next stop.  I went to the gas station with him and filled up his car.  We had a pleasant talk, both at the church and while standing at the pumps.  At this time he has no real home.  He has no work.  And he suffers from both physical and emotional problems stemming from 9/11.  As I lay in bed that night, remembering the experiences he shared with me, I thought to myself how fortunate I am.  Here I’m in a warm bed, of a nice home, with family close by.  My health is pretty good.  My finances are in good shape.  I’m involved in serving the Lord through serving this church and community.  I have it pretty good! 

I appreciate this opportunity to be reminded of my blessings and will pray for this man and others who struggle in life or experience catastrophic changes.  And in the meantime, I am proud to be a part of a church that wants to serve the community and beyond in mission and ministry.  Folks – let’s never lose sight of the many ways we can help those in need.

A recent wedding

Last Friday I was privileged to preside over a wedding with Jim Fielder and Deb Christman.  They were married in our sanctuary at 4:00pm.  I had been meeting with them for several months and have enjoyed getting to know them.  

I am so often am renewed in my own marriage through the development, meetings, discussions, and leading of weddings.  I am reminded of my own vows when I speak the vows over other couples.  I am reminded of the work that goes into a marriage – a wedding is but one day, a marriage is for a life time.  

For those of us who are married – would that we all could all enjoy this type of process once a year to serve as a reminder of our own vows, our own commitment to own marriage.  My prayers and blessings are with this young at heart couple who are starting a new life together.  May God bless you and keep you. 

Heavenly God, Creator of all that is good and sustainer of life; we come before you giving thanks for the beauty of this day, and the gift of love you have blessed us with. 

We ask you, who have brought together this couple, in faith and in trust, to bless and to hold close Jim and Deb, all the days of their lives.  Let nothing come between them, but keep them for ever loving and for ever true.

Keep them from illness, from poverty and from trouble that would hurt them; but for the trials that come before them, guide them and draw them closer to you.

Grant them throughout all their days, the perfect love which many waters cannot quench and which is stronger than death itself; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.  Amen.