Dear friends,
The oil leak has been capped. This national disaster has a plug in it (let’s hope it holds up), but by no means is the problem solved. Gazillions of gallons of oil have slithered all over the Gulf Coast, and only God knows how far the tentacles reach. I can hardly stand to think about it. And I’m not even directly impacted. Let’s pray for those folks who live and work on the coast in the deep south. Their misery continues after Katrina turned New Orleans into a parking lot a few years ago. "These are the times that try men's souls", as Thomas Paine so eloquently stated during the revolutionary war.
Trouble visits all of us in one form or another. Some trouble is swift and dramatic, like we experienced with Steve and Hannah in the car crash. Some is slow and under the radar, like a woman toughing it out year after year in a difficult marriage, or a man who experiences long term unemployment. When people you know and care for are in trouble you want to fix it. For that matter, when people you don’t know are in trouble you want to fix it. A young man who visited Delmar Full Gospel for the first time last week had just experienced his house burning to the ground. The good people of DFG rose to the occasion to help his family financially, though nobody really knows them. So we can ease the burdens of hurting people, but ultimately we can’t make everything all better. I’m not an expert on how healing and recovery works, I’m only learning as I go. Some things seem to get better, and some wounds seem to create scars. The thing is, scars don’t go away. There is damage that can be done on the inside of a man that only the Great One can get at. And even then, He may not immediately solve the problem. Look at Abraham. Look at Joseph. Look at Jacob. Years of frustration, years of confusion, years of disappointment. Even in the end, though great and mighty deeds were done and miracles happened, everything wasn’t perfect. It didn’t all zip up with a happy ending. There was a lot of messy business to clean up after sin and circumstance had their way. But those men became strong, faith filled examples of flawed lives tested in the fires of disaster. And one thing was never in doubt: Jehovah God’s presence to “cheer and to guide”. Ultimately, they found the city they were all seeking. But they had to pass through the curtain of death to get there. They knew this wasn’t the final stop on the train. Thank God it’s not...
There is one particular sorrow of heart I’m communing with at the moment. It’s a circumstance that plays out on the new stage of my life, the stage set on November 8, a stage that brings both sadness and joy. I embrace them both. Not without some fussing and struggling. If I try to push either one away I will miss the great mixing God is cooking up in my soul, doing some good thing I can only see by faith. Like the wind that blew in the Berkshires on our way home today, I can’t see it, but it makes itself evident.
If you can figure out this crazy, mixed up world, drop me a line. You’de be the first, and I’d like to shake your hand. For the rest of us, we just have to hold on to hope. And in the meantime, do the next right thing.
There was an oil leak, brutal and damaging. But there is still clean, sparkling, beautiful water in the world. Acknowledging both truths is the only way to keep perspective.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day 250 A Beautiful Nifty Fifty Celebration!
Smitty in front of the arbor at the Bedford Village Inn.
The Bedford Village Inn
And Above : Glenn and Mary, Pop Flebotte, Momma Flebotte.
Dear friends,
I'm in Hollis New Hampshire! We started out in Bedford NH at the Bedford Village Inn last night, and I felt like Princess Loriann in the gorgeous room we occupied for one day. Smitty ordered the modified American plan, so we got a 3 course dinner and a beautiful breakfast. I had a lemon blueberry scone that was from the kitchens of heaven, and I'm not exaggerating. I asked for the recipe, but was denied. Probably a good thing. I think I gained 10 pounds here in 2 days....
Then we drove to Hollis to see my dear high school friend Glenn and his wife Mary at their home on Heron Pond, which feels like a nature preserve. They have a neighborhood bear that frequents their back deck, and every variety of bird imaginable. Their house feels like a country inn, and their gracious company has been a real treat. As usual I feel completely blessed by the relationships in my life! And this trip was a nice blend of time alone with Smitty and catching up with old and precious friends. Part of our visit with Glenn and Mary was a side trip to the assisted living home of his parents, who I have always called "Momma and Pop", and who took care of me at a very rough patch in my life back in my late teens and early 20's. These folks were a gift to me from the Great One, and now Momma has Alzheimer's and Pop is getting on, and I realize (as if I didn't before) that things change and nothing lasts forever. It hit me like a ton of bricks when Pop (one of the most cheerful, upbeat men I know) teared up when I hugged him goodbye. There are no words to express my gratitude to these generous, tender people who have made my life rich. God has put people in my life all the way along the pilgrim road to show Himself to me. I am awed by His consistent, relentless love.
I'm keeping this one short so I can spend some more time with our friends, but I am posting a few pictures for fun.
How great was Pastor Dave's blog yesterday? Good Lord, I love that man. He is truly a humble person, with a huge heart of love and a laser focus on PEOPLE. Thank you, PD, for filling in for me! And for being our friend lo these past 21 years. Those we travel with us are not there by accident. I'm grateful to be on the road with you!
And all of you too!
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Friday, July 16, 2010
Day 249 God's faithfulness
Hey,
It’s Pastor Dave here filling in for Loriann and Steve. Loriann asked me to be a “guest blogger” while she and Steve get away for Loriann’s birthday (i’ll let her tell you how many years she’s celebrating). I’ve been called a lot of things, but this is the first time for “Guest Blogger”. Anyway, Happy Birthday Loriann!!!! You deserve a break today.
A good friend of mine, Chris Lierheimer, went into hospice this past week and is not expected to live. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt the same pit in my stomach as I did the night Steve and Hannah were brought to Albany Med’s E.R.
I’ve been reading Chris’s blog the last couple of months along with the Smith’s blog and thinking to myself, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” It’s a question I’m not sure any of us can answer and I’m not sure that any of us have the right to ask God, but I think most of us have asked it just the same. I’ve had my share of heartaches and losses, but not like some folks that I know. And certainly nothing like some people that I’ve only read about in history or those living in third world nations. But the question begs an answer. Why God? My best guess is still the same: I don’t know! Even though Loriann is the master communicator with the pen… it’s Steve and Hannah that have had to really walk through this valley the past eight months. I’ve been keeping my eye on them and wondering (to myself of course) “Could I handle that kind of pain and trauma with such grace?” Could I go through operation after operation with such a positive attitude???? Would I keep myself from bitterness or self-pity????? And after asking myself these questions, I confess that I’m not sure how I would score, but I know that I’ve picked up some valuable pointers along the journey by observing the Smiths. The truth is we will all face some painful times, some disappointments, some dark days and we need to know how to navigate our way through those times while maintaining our faith, our relationship with god, and our relationships with people.
When Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, heard that 58 of his fellow missionaries and 21 children had been killed in the boxer revolution, he fell into a deep depression. He admitted to his wife, “I can’t read; I can’t think; and I can’t even pray, but I can trust God.” He repeated two phrases over and over again that saw him through the darkest hours. “You may trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust Him too much.” and “If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim. 2:13)
In reading the Smith’s blog and my friend Chris’s blog, I've concluded one thing: I don’t know why bad things happen to good people, but God is ever faithful. God has proven to be incredibly faithful to Steve and Hannah in ways that we can’t even comprehend this side of heaven. He has been wonderful to Loriann and He has used many of you along the way to express His faithfulness.
I have fallen in love with a new verse over the past couple of months.
Gal 5:6 (NIV) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
I know that I have thought about God’s love more this past eight months than I have in previous years. I’ve thanked God for my family and for this church family more than ever before. And I want to thank all of you bloggers for being such great examples of what C.S. Lewis calls, “little christs” (there … I’ve fulfilled the mandatory “C.S.Lewis quote”).
Let me express to Steve, Loriann, and Hannah that you have been an inspiration to all of us. I know this has been the most difficult year in your lives, but I can also testify that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
It’s obvious to me that all you Smiths love God…. and you’re called for a very special purpose!
May God continue to heal those areas that need healing and may He continue to express Himself through all of us along the journey.
Pastor Dave
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Day 248 Summer Ramblings
Dear friends,
Thank you for the many happy birthday wishes via email, FB and comments and telephone. (Jim and Phyllis, your singing on my voicemail is one for the annuls...) Changing the number from 49 to 50 is kind of like when the odometer turns over on your car: it looks dramatic, but nothing really changes. Life still advances in increments, one second at a time. I have continued to work my husband over for info on my little birthday trip, but all I know is it’s within driving distance and to someplace we’ve never been before. I’m very excited: I love surprises! (So why do I keep looking for information? Because I’m a nosy Nellie, that’s why!)
Mostly I’m glad for the opportunity to spend some time with my best friend. (Thanks to all my excellent fellow travelers taking care of my children!) Steve told me not to worry about counting calories this weekend, so I intend to put plenty of butter on my bread! I do feel rather decadent going away somewhere when summer vacation is only about a month away, but I’ll get over it. You only turn 50 once…
I’m blessed by these little excursions in life, but I’m not foolish enough to confuse them with the meat and potatoes of the pilgrim road. These charming rests are only satisfying in the context of “seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” I’m all for a break and a change of pace, but our lives truly consist of relationship with God and man. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating (for myself most of all!), that no vacation, amusement, entertainment, material gain, worldly recognition- can give our souls what they need to be nourished and content. Still they are a part of a balanced life, and when the Great One remains in center court, they become the proverbial icing on the cake. I hope all of you get a chance to rest and play sometime this summer, even if it’s only in your own back yard. And what a summer it has been so far! Sunny, hot, steamy. When February had a grip on me, and I was white knuckling it to March, I dreamed of this weather. I told you, I never complain about the heat. But I whine about the cold.
I think this particular blog post is kind of like summer: content light, relaxed, and somewhat rambling. When I think back on some of the things I wrote about in the winter, I exhale with relief. The major surgeries are over. Wound vacs, orbital plates and BLASTED fixators are past tense. Plastic surgery, rotator cuff repair and tooth implants are still in our future. For today, we will simply leave it all go for a bit, like tubing on a river with the Great One before the next push. From a writing standpoint, I am giving myself til September to consider how to turn this discourse into a book that tells the tale. And then too I will begin to open my mouth (you're shocked, I know) about the misery caused by drunk driving. Always laced in our story are the broad strokes of mercy and grace we have experienced.
You are all part of the story. That’s why I want you at the Smith Family Thanks You Dessert Night on October 23. And if you have any stories from your point of view about this wild ride, I’d like to hear them.
Look for your Guest Blogger tomorrow. I'm totally psyched for this excellent stand in. I’ll be back Saturday from the undisclosed location, Lord willing and the creek don’t run dry!
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Thank you for the many happy birthday wishes via email, FB and comments and telephone. (Jim and Phyllis, your singing on my voicemail is one for the annuls...) Changing the number from 49 to 50 is kind of like when the odometer turns over on your car: it looks dramatic, but nothing really changes. Life still advances in increments, one second at a time. I have continued to work my husband over for info on my little birthday trip, but all I know is it’s within driving distance and to someplace we’ve never been before. I’m very excited: I love surprises! (So why do I keep looking for information? Because I’m a nosy Nellie, that’s why!)
Mostly I’m glad for the opportunity to spend some time with my best friend. (Thanks to all my excellent fellow travelers taking care of my children!) Steve told me not to worry about counting calories this weekend, so I intend to put plenty of butter on my bread! I do feel rather decadent going away somewhere when summer vacation is only about a month away, but I’ll get over it. You only turn 50 once…
I’m blessed by these little excursions in life, but I’m not foolish enough to confuse them with the meat and potatoes of the pilgrim road. These charming rests are only satisfying in the context of “seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” I’m all for a break and a change of pace, but our lives truly consist of relationship with God and man. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating (for myself most of all!), that no vacation, amusement, entertainment, material gain, worldly recognition- can give our souls what they need to be nourished and content. Still they are a part of a balanced life, and when the Great One remains in center court, they become the proverbial icing on the cake. I hope all of you get a chance to rest and play sometime this summer, even if it’s only in your own back yard. And what a summer it has been so far! Sunny, hot, steamy. When February had a grip on me, and I was white knuckling it to March, I dreamed of this weather. I told you, I never complain about the heat. But I whine about the cold.
I think this particular blog post is kind of like summer: content light, relaxed, and somewhat rambling. When I think back on some of the things I wrote about in the winter, I exhale with relief. The major surgeries are over. Wound vacs, orbital plates and BLASTED fixators are past tense. Plastic surgery, rotator cuff repair and tooth implants are still in our future. For today, we will simply leave it all go for a bit, like tubing on a river with the Great One before the next push. From a writing standpoint, I am giving myself til September to consider how to turn this discourse into a book that tells the tale. And then too I will begin to open my mouth (you're shocked, I know) about the misery caused by drunk driving. Always laced in our story are the broad strokes of mercy and grace we have experienced.
You are all part of the story. That’s why I want you at the Smith Family Thanks You Dessert Night on October 23. And if you have any stories from your point of view about this wild ride, I’d like to hear them.
Look for your Guest Blogger tomorrow. I'm totally psyched for this excellent stand in. I’ll be back Saturday from the undisclosed location, Lord willing and the creek don’t run dry!
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Day 247 Card Carrying Member of the Nifty Fifty Club
Dear friends,
Hope you're up for a hodgepodge tonite. I'm running on very little sleep, so if I make any sense at all we're running in the black.
First of all, I thought I would share 10 profound things I have figured out in a half century of life on planet earth. Yep, tomorrow I officially join the "Nifty Fifty" club. So here goes:
10. Bread is merely a vehicle for butter.
9. This old Jewish proverb is on the money: "If you want to make God laugh, make plans."
8. Jello is a ghastly food. (Second only to Velveeta. Sorry, Smitty)
7. Sometimes I actually like hearing Judge Judy yell at people (guilty pleasure).
6. I would run in front of a truck (if need be) for Joseph, Hannah or David Smith. I hope need will not be.
5. Never undervalue your bones.
4. Fixators are rotten and wonderful at the same time.
3. Dr. Bagchi has a spare brain in his briefcase.
2. There's nobody like the Bloggies.
1. Except the Great One, who tops them all...
Hercules has planned a mystery trip for he and I for a few days to celebrate my birthday. He drives me nuts because he's the best at secrets, and cannot be cracked. Every time I ask for a clue about where we're going I get some smart aleck remark. Anyway, you are going to have a guest blogger in a couple of days, and I'm quite sure it will be a treat. Watch for that special pilgrim here, same bat time, same bat channel...
Can you believe the AARP is sending me mail. Outrage! I am not that old! Am I?
At any rate, I'm another year older and closer to home. I trust that Unmatched Creator to have perfectly planned my arrival time here, and He's got the departure date already ticketed too. My great hope is to live my life for Him and for others, and never to become a small, insulated, selfish soul who misses the Great Adventure. By His grace alone this can be.
Your friend on that relentlessly advancing pilgrim road,
Loriann
Hope you're up for a hodgepodge tonite. I'm running on very little sleep, so if I make any sense at all we're running in the black.
First of all, I thought I would share 10 profound things I have figured out in a half century of life on planet earth. Yep, tomorrow I officially join the "Nifty Fifty" club. So here goes:
10. Bread is merely a vehicle for butter.
9. This old Jewish proverb is on the money: "If you want to make God laugh, make plans."
8. Jello is a ghastly food. (Second only to Velveeta. Sorry, Smitty)
7. Sometimes I actually like hearing Judge Judy yell at people (guilty pleasure).
6. I would run in front of a truck (if need be) for Joseph, Hannah or David Smith. I hope need will not be.
5. Never undervalue your bones.
4. Fixators are rotten and wonderful at the same time.
3. Dr. Bagchi has a spare brain in his briefcase.
2. There's nobody like the Bloggies.
1. Except the Great One, who tops them all...
Hercules has planned a mystery trip for he and I for a few days to celebrate my birthday. He drives me nuts because he's the best at secrets, and cannot be cracked. Every time I ask for a clue about where we're going I get some smart aleck remark. Anyway, you are going to have a guest blogger in a couple of days, and I'm quite sure it will be a treat. Watch for that special pilgrim here, same bat time, same bat channel...
Can you believe the AARP is sending me mail. Outrage! I am not that old! Am I?
At any rate, I'm another year older and closer to home. I trust that Unmatched Creator to have perfectly planned my arrival time here, and He's got the departure date already ticketed too. My great hope is to live my life for Him and for others, and never to become a small, insulated, selfish soul who misses the Great Adventure. By His grace alone this can be.
Your friend on that relentlessly advancing pilgrim road,
Loriann
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day 246 The Goodness of God on Cape Cod Bay
Dear friends,
Why the Great One is so generous to the likes of me, I'll never figure out. But His goodness is not based on my performance (good thing) but on His grace.
You all know from reading these daily scribbles that a great motivator for Stephen's recovery has been the promise of our summer vacation on Cape Cod. This annual family trip means the world to us, and is packed with precious memories. I could cry with joy recalling one evening when my kids were still playing in the waves with their dad when it was actually getting dark! Those crazy kids (all 4 of them!) didn't know it was time to go home...Anyway, we have been happily anticipating our trip, especially this year, and looking forward to staying in the snug, rustic little cabin we rent every year (which we love!), only about 5 minutes drive from Coast Guard Beach.
Yesterday I received an email from Lynne A., one of our bloggies and a dear young woman I haven't seen in quite a while. Her grandparents own a home on Cape Cod, not far from where we stay. Her grandma, Sweet Cindy, a fellow pilgrim and incredibly kind and generous woman, felt the Great One wanted her to offer us their home for our vacation, for FREE, if it fell during the two open weeks she had available. (Thank you to her husband too, and may the Great One give it back to you both in multiples!) You've already guessed that yes, the week we have off is one of those 2 weeks. Their house has a wrap around porch overlooking Cape Cod Bay, and is not a snug little cabin but a real, furnished house, one minute (walking) from the beach. I called my husband to ask if he thought we should accept such a kind offer, and he had that sound in his voice like "what, have you gone mad, of course!". I have to tell you I got into the shower and sobbed like a baby, thinking of the absolute unmerited favor of our God, and the kindness of his people. That evening I spoke to Cindy, who hadn't known us at all, for about a half hour. She reassured me that the whole thing was real, and I tried, but failed, to express the profound gratitude I have for this gift.
When I think of myself lying on the floor of a bathroom near the PICU while my daughter was intubated and unconscious, not knowing if she would ever recover, and I consider this summer that same child given the chance to walk over the dune and onto the beach, I am beyond undone. I can only say once again, I can never pay it back. But I will do my very best to pay it forward.
Smitty had his MRI this morning, and he said he almost fell asleep in the machine! That's my man! Never had trouble falling asleep since the day we were married. But I sure am glad he woke up from that long nap back in November. I know he'll be overjoyed watching sunsets over the bay...
I'm blessed beyond measure. Way beyond.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Why the Great One is so generous to the likes of me, I'll never figure out. But His goodness is not based on my performance (good thing) but on His grace.
You all know from reading these daily scribbles that a great motivator for Stephen's recovery has been the promise of our summer vacation on Cape Cod. This annual family trip means the world to us, and is packed with precious memories. I could cry with joy recalling one evening when my kids were still playing in the waves with their dad when it was actually getting dark! Those crazy kids (all 4 of them!) didn't know it was time to go home...Anyway, we have been happily anticipating our trip, especially this year, and looking forward to staying in the snug, rustic little cabin we rent every year (which we love!), only about 5 minutes drive from Coast Guard Beach.
Yesterday I received an email from Lynne A., one of our bloggies and a dear young woman I haven't seen in quite a while. Her grandparents own a home on Cape Cod, not far from where we stay. Her grandma, Sweet Cindy, a fellow pilgrim and incredibly kind and generous woman, felt the Great One wanted her to offer us their home for our vacation, for FREE, if it fell during the two open weeks she had available. (Thank you to her husband too, and may the Great One give it back to you both in multiples!) You've already guessed that yes, the week we have off is one of those 2 weeks. Their house has a wrap around porch overlooking Cape Cod Bay, and is not a snug little cabin but a real, furnished house, one minute (walking) from the beach. I called my husband to ask if he thought we should accept such a kind offer, and he had that sound in his voice like "what, have you gone mad, of course!". I have to tell you I got into the shower and sobbed like a baby, thinking of the absolute unmerited favor of our God, and the kindness of his people. That evening I spoke to Cindy, who hadn't known us at all, for about a half hour. She reassured me that the whole thing was real, and I tried, but failed, to express the profound gratitude I have for this gift.
When I think of myself lying on the floor of a bathroom near the PICU while my daughter was intubated and unconscious, not knowing if she would ever recover, and I consider this summer that same child given the chance to walk over the dune and onto the beach, I am beyond undone. I can only say once again, I can never pay it back. But I will do my very best to pay it forward.
Smitty had his MRI this morning, and he said he almost fell asleep in the machine! That's my man! Never had trouble falling asleep since the day we were married. But I sure am glad he woke up from that long nap back in November. I know he'll be overjoyed watching sunsets over the bay...
I'm blessed beyond measure. Way beyond.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 245 Don't Build Here, Just Pitch A Tent for Awhile
Dear friends,
Maybe you wonder why I end all my posts with "Your friend on the pilgrim road..." Long before this blog came into existence, I signed letters and emails that way. Something in the scripture, indeed in life that has always captivated me is the changing nature of the ways we take, and the sense of destiny in our hearts. The Bible is full of references to the temporary nature of this world, and the brevity of our time here. It also highlights the great meaning in these few years on earth, insofar as they are the stage setter for eternity. The kingdom of God begins in the here and now. And no earthly trouble, not injustice, no disastrous car accident can thwart the Great Author's story. But ultimately our present experience is headed for the flames. We are travellers, not lodgers. We'll never feel completely at home here, because we haven't yet come to that place of perfect rest and peace. One of our dear blog friends, Sue C., sent me an email today that expresses so much of what I'm trying to say. Here are a few excerpts:
"I am a stranger and sojourner." Psalm 39:12
Here we have no continuing city.
Our journey lies THROUGH the world, but our home is beyond it.
...Nor let us wonder if we are annoyed, opposed and tried- for what can strangers and travelers expect? Certainly not to have everything smooth and easy.
Let us keep at a proper distance from the customs, pleasures and practices of the world. Let us beware lest its politics, speculations and schemes swallow us up.
We are not placed here to amass a fortune, or gain a name, but to glorify our father who is in heaven.
"They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13
Those are a few of the thoughts from the email. If I might comment, I would like to say that this is not saying we are to disengage from this life. On the contrary, engagement is critical. But the kind that brings the love and light of God into the fabric of life, rather than us being sucked into the shallow ways of this present darkness. I want desperately to influence the world for good, rather than be a pawn of a passing kingdom. This takes the ready knowledge that we're here for a hot five minutes. Anyway, that's the travelers road, the pilgrim road.
Smitty has his shoulder MRI tomorrow, but won't be seeing Dr. Bagchi for a few weeks after that. Dr. B. is on a well deserved vacation. Heck, if Steve were his only patient, he's earned a week off right there. Hercules had to take off his wedding ring tonite in anticipation of going into the machine tomorrow. He had a rough time getting it off. As our friend Glenn said at our wedding "it has barbs going in the other way, that's why you can't get it off". Wise guy.
Gotta go watch episode 3 of LOST. The main character is Jack, just like in 24. Jack's must be good guys. My father in law, God rest his soul, was the best Jack I ever knew. Indeed, one of the best men I ever knew. Can't wait to see him again, at the end of these travels...
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Maybe you wonder why I end all my posts with "Your friend on the pilgrim road..." Long before this blog came into existence, I signed letters and emails that way. Something in the scripture, indeed in life that has always captivated me is the changing nature of the ways we take, and the sense of destiny in our hearts. The Bible is full of references to the temporary nature of this world, and the brevity of our time here. It also highlights the great meaning in these few years on earth, insofar as they are the stage setter for eternity. The kingdom of God begins in the here and now. And no earthly trouble, not injustice, no disastrous car accident can thwart the Great Author's story. But ultimately our present experience is headed for the flames. We are travellers, not lodgers. We'll never feel completely at home here, because we haven't yet come to that place of perfect rest and peace. One of our dear blog friends, Sue C., sent me an email today that expresses so much of what I'm trying to say. Here are a few excerpts:
"I am a stranger and sojourner." Psalm 39:12
Here we have no continuing city.
Our journey lies THROUGH the world, but our home is beyond it.
...Nor let us wonder if we are annoyed, opposed and tried- for what can strangers and travelers expect? Certainly not to have everything smooth and easy.
Let us keep at a proper distance from the customs, pleasures and practices of the world. Let us beware lest its politics, speculations and schemes swallow us up.
We are not placed here to amass a fortune, or gain a name, but to glorify our father who is in heaven.
"They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13
Those are a few of the thoughts from the email. If I might comment, I would like to say that this is not saying we are to disengage from this life. On the contrary, engagement is critical. But the kind that brings the love and light of God into the fabric of life, rather than us being sucked into the shallow ways of this present darkness. I want desperately to influence the world for good, rather than be a pawn of a passing kingdom. This takes the ready knowledge that we're here for a hot five minutes. Anyway, that's the travelers road, the pilgrim road.
Smitty has his shoulder MRI tomorrow, but won't be seeing Dr. Bagchi for a few weeks after that. Dr. B. is on a well deserved vacation. Heck, if Steve were his only patient, he's earned a week off right there. Hercules had to take off his wedding ring tonite in anticipation of going into the machine tomorrow. He had a rough time getting it off. As our friend Glenn said at our wedding "it has barbs going in the other way, that's why you can't get it off". Wise guy.
Gotta go watch episode 3 of LOST. The main character is Jack, just like in 24. Jack's must be good guys. My father in law, God rest his soul, was the best Jack I ever knew. Indeed, one of the best men I ever knew. Can't wait to see him again, at the end of these travels...
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
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