Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Stayin' alive, stayin' alive

 Last week was rough.  In the midst of dealing with the pain of losing my ministry and many friends, I found myself under intense pressure to deliver far more than I have resources.  Coupled with health issues, I was pretty well done with life.  One evening, I yelled at God and told him that if I did not wake up the next day, that would be gain.

Waking up was indeed a disappointment – but I got out of bed and started on chores to stay distracted.  Working in the forest at the bottom of our garden I slipped and fell, and bashed my head on a tree stump.  It was the hardest hit I have ever experienced.  When my wife and son saw the blood, they shoved me into a car and rushed to the ER. Two hours, a CT scan, and four staples later I was told I still have a brain and it seemed to be working OK.  My whole right side hurt like crazy with bruises and scrapes. 

Later that evening we walked back down to the scene of the crime to find my shoes.  We wondered at how lightly I had got off, considering the height I had fallen and the shape of the stump I had hit.  It was surprising that I had survived at all.

I can almost hear God snickering.  He took me to (indeed, beyond) the edge, and then protected me.  He heard my demands – and said “No!”  He wants me alive, even if hurting.  For what purpose I have no idea. 

Time to be still and listen for directions…

 

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