the    sides

Elders, 6 AM. Grant gets up at 6.05…great start already.

Coffee with Steve B. and Rowland, 8.30

Minor detail. All three of us were at the church. Row had to run a quick errand, so Steve and I went on to Java. I rode with Steve - plan on riding back to church with Rowland for our….

Staff Meeting, 11 AM.

Rowland leaves Java at 10, I stay to finish up emails.

10.40 AM - On way out to car, start returning phone calls. Pit in stomach starts - someone has stolen my minivan. Who the heck steals a minivan??? While on phone I realize important detail…I never drove to Java. I am now officially stuck, going to be late for meeting, and now must beg someone for ride.

Amy rescues me at 10.58. Walk into staff meeting at 11.13.

1.00 pm - get home for lunch. While getting out of van, my back goes completely out, I’m sprawled out in the van with the door closing on me. I can’t get up.

Amy rescues Grant…again.

Spend rest of day on couch, with heating pad.

Everything takes more time when your back hurts…and I’ve been down this road before. C.S. Lewis called pain God’s megaphone. I think he meant personal, emotional anguish as he was dealing with the death of his wife when he wrote that. But I think it’s true for physical as well.

The problem is I spend more time trying to avoid it, delay it, alleviate it, or ignore it to really pay attention to what the heck God is saying. Then when I am in the middle of it - I often find myself praying to get out of it as opposed to listening for the megaphone.

No - I don’t think all pain is punishment/discipline from the Lord. That’s pretty ridiculous to think. But I do think He uses all things - especially pain - for good.

So while I am praying for the miracle of healing and restoration, I am also listening.