Uncertain times
These are certainly trying times. It is easy, very easy to become distracted and disquieted by all that is going on. My hospital roommate was watching CNN the other day and fell asleep. I was forced to listen to over eight hours of Covid19 “breaking news.” The longer I listened the more upset I felt my spirit become. Peace was far from me.
Eventually, I put on my headphones, pulled the covers over my head and started praying. Praying for a better spirit to walk through this season. I needed peace. Peace if this was going to be the end of my life. Peace if Covid 19 was going to harm my family or friends. Peace as I thought about all the ways in which our world is being disrupted and turned upside down by what is going on.
A few hours later I was reminded that my spirit was different. Peace had returned and there was a strength where there was once chaos.
Spiritual Formation Amidst Covid19
First Baptist Church has a document that helps guide our community worship. One of the slogans within the document is “everywhere and all the time.” This slogan is our attempt to communicate the importance of spending time in worship everywhere and all the time. All too often we fall into the trap of believing that worship only takes place when the congregation gathers together for community worship.
If asked to define worship many people would begin to describe the worship service of their church. Worship is so much more than that. It is an attitude, a spirit, a way of walking and moving through this world. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart mind soul and strength,” worship. This is something we can do “everywhere and all the time.”
Maybe this time of forced social distancing is an opportunity for you to grow as an individual worshipper?
What would it look like for you to spend a few moments of your day listening to your favorite praise music, hymns, chants…whatever music it is that the Spirit uses to speak to your spirit?
How would it sound if you joined in? Praising God for the blessings that surround you. Yes, all of life is a gift – even the season we are walking through right now.
From worry to confident hope
A friend of mine shared a reading they are going to be doing over the coming weeks. It looks promising and I am going to join them in the practice. I thought I would share it with you here.
A Journey From Worry to Confident Hope: Praying Through the Lord’s Prayer
A journey from worry to confident hope sounds exactly like what I need right now. Spending time reflecting on the Lord’s Prayer has always proved a fruitful exercise for me. If you feel the Spirit’s invitation I invite you to join us on the journey.
Monday’s Procedure
Today we used a camera to look down into the ducts of my liver and found a stricture. The doctors were able to put in a stent which should open things up. This means the bilirubin should begin to flow and I will start to feel better. I am thankful they were willing to give the procedure a second try.
This experience has reminded me once again how important it is to have someone advocate on your behalf regarding your healthcare. You need to speak, speak loudly, and not simply take the word of one doctor as truth. If you feel unable to advocate for yourself, please find a friend or family member who can speak for you. This was a long journey, but there is hope that things are going to be better soon.
Moving Forward
I am unclear as to what this means regarding my arterial infusion pump. It seems the chemotherapy from the pump is the root cause of my issues. IF my liver heals we may be able to use it again. If the liver does not bounce back that treatment option is now off the table. Either way, there are other options.
God is Good all the Time…All the Time God is Good
All of Life is gift…even the enemas.
My prayers for you continue, Daniel!