Blogging? Me?
Blogging? Me? Who would have thought it! But here it is. This is quite a feat, a humbling moment, for one who entered into the computer and internet age involuntarily--actually I entered kicking and screaming in opposition. But thanks to the gentle encouragement of others, especially Scott Aseltine here at First B, I have ventured, albeit awkwardly, into this bold new world.
Herein lies the theme for today. My experience of faith, I think like most believers, has been the pilgrimage out of the comfortable and familiar and into new arenas of challenge and unfamiliarity.
Take for example the past five months during which my dear wife, Brenda, has been absent from Sioux Falls while providing care for our infant grandson, Andrew, through these crucial early months of his life. Brenda's lengthy stay has been in response to his health needs arising from being born 10 weeks early. I'm glad to report that at the age of 9 months, he is as far as we know a healthy little guy. Brenda will return to SF after our daughter-in-law graduates from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on May 13. During or 36 years of marriage, we have never been apart for more than a day or two at a time--but this has been something else!
These past months have taught me a lot. I'm tempted to boast about my newly aquired domestic skills: cooking, washing, cleaning house, and ironing. Yet I realize that after one substantial blaze in the kitchen, several scorched shirts, and unnumbered fabric stains from the wash any boast would be hyperbole. I have learned that I can get along in life under such circumstances, but just getting along is hardly a life of joy.
I miss my wife. And what I really miss is not the household concerns but the companionship we have had over the years. Sharing the events of the day via cell phone is hardly the same as sitting down at table together and talking heart to heart. There is within me a new and deeper appreciation for Brenda--not for what she does but for who she is! Her absence has affirmed the significance of one of my favorite Bible verses, this from Genesis 2:18, "The Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man be alone.'" I want to add my amen.
But the greater learning has been elsewhere. When I held Andrew's tiny hand in the early weeks of December and looked intently into his beautiful eyes, I felt myself gazing into a holy place. I felt very near that frightening precipice, very near death, and on the edge of eternity. When I flew out of Little Rock in mid-December, I thought I would never see him again alive. Two things. First, I came to say in my heart of hearts that I would rejoice in the gift of this precious baby's life regardless of what happened. I loved him and would continue to love him. Life and love, I came to know, are stronger than the threats that come against us. Secondly, I discovered again, at quite an intimate level, that God's grace truly is sufficient. This was not my call. And without knowing how this would end, I came to repeat over and again the powerful words of Romans 8:28: "In all things, God works to bring about good to those who love him...those called according to his purpose." Perhaps the good has not yet been realized in full, but I give thanks for the good that has come this far!
Well, that's what is on my mind just now. Talk later. LM
Herein lies the theme for today. My experience of faith, I think like most believers, has been the pilgrimage out of the comfortable and familiar and into new arenas of challenge and unfamiliarity.
Take for example the past five months during which my dear wife, Brenda, has been absent from Sioux Falls while providing care for our infant grandson, Andrew, through these crucial early months of his life. Brenda's lengthy stay has been in response to his health needs arising from being born 10 weeks early. I'm glad to report that at the age of 9 months, he is as far as we know a healthy little guy. Brenda will return to SF after our daughter-in-law graduates from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on May 13. During or 36 years of marriage, we have never been apart for more than a day or two at a time--but this has been something else!
These past months have taught me a lot. I'm tempted to boast about my newly aquired domestic skills: cooking, washing, cleaning house, and ironing. Yet I realize that after one substantial blaze in the kitchen, several scorched shirts, and unnumbered fabric stains from the wash any boast would be hyperbole. I have learned that I can get along in life under such circumstances, but just getting along is hardly a life of joy.
I miss my wife. And what I really miss is not the household concerns but the companionship we have had over the years. Sharing the events of the day via cell phone is hardly the same as sitting down at table together and talking heart to heart. There is within me a new and deeper appreciation for Brenda--not for what she does but for who she is! Her absence has affirmed the significance of one of my favorite Bible verses, this from Genesis 2:18, "The Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man be alone.'" I want to add my amen.
But the greater learning has been elsewhere. When I held Andrew's tiny hand in the early weeks of December and looked intently into his beautiful eyes, I felt myself gazing into a holy place. I felt very near that frightening precipice, very near death, and on the edge of eternity. When I flew out of Little Rock in mid-December, I thought I would never see him again alive. Two things. First, I came to say in my heart of hearts that I would rejoice in the gift of this precious baby's life regardless of what happened. I loved him and would continue to love him. Life and love, I came to know, are stronger than the threats that come against us. Secondly, I discovered again, at quite an intimate level, that God's grace truly is sufficient. This was not my call. And without knowing how this would end, I came to repeat over and again the powerful words of Romans 8:28: "In all things, God works to bring about good to those who love him...those called according to his purpose." Perhaps the good has not yet been realized in full, but I give thanks for the good that has come this far!
Well, that's what is on my mind just now. Talk later. LM
posted by Lee McGlone | 1:28 PM
1 Comments:
I have known you were a blogger... but not being up on such stuff, had never gone there. I've just read about your first visits with Andrew, and remember hearing about it from the pulpit.
It's a precious story you share. It speaks of who you are and what you are made of. It opens my heart to memories of my own and re-confirms my need to write.
It's a gentle reminder of what God has done for us in the past... and gives us a stronger courage to expect as much once again! He is SO faithful! He has shown you, in your life as He has shown me, in mine!
We're rejoicing with you in the birth of your precious grand-daughter... and watch on tip-toes with you.. as we wait, once again, to see the miracle working power of God! Blessings to each of your family!
Praise be to the Lord, our God and Savior, who daily loads us with benefits. Psalm 68:19
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