God Knows

As six weeks roll into seven weeks, and my husband is still struggling with his excruciating pain issues,  more and more is required of me, both in the area of care-giving, as well as in all aspects of care for the home.

I have been pretty much tied closer to home than usual, although I have gone out a few times to lunch with family or friends, as well as grocery shopping, and a few other church related activities.

What helps me most of all is some kind of a diversion.  Family members have come for a visit several times during these past few weeks.   That has really helped in the worst of times.

I have been amazed at the kinds of diversions that have come my way during this time.  First, the pastor of a church in a nearby community asked if I could cover for her one Sunday in April.   Getting to engage my mind and heart and spirit in the thinking, research and writing of a sermon is the very best kind of therapy for me!  Working on writing that sermon was the most enjoyable time I have had in weeks!  Delivering it will be fun for me too!

Then, I got an email from a young pastor I have never met, who wants to take maternity leave for 8 weeks when her baby is born this summer.  I have other commitments and cannot do all of it,  but I did indicate that I could do 4 weeks, should the details all work out.  She has to find someone to do the other four weeks.   That will give me a lot to do and think about.  It is a lively and active church, and by then there will be two services.   It will be a significant challenge, but one I welcome.   I have been totally amazed that these opportunities have come up.  I would say that as a rule, at least on a regular basis, they do not.   A few a year do, but not multiples in a period of weeks!

And then yesterday,  Holy Thursday, before I had even had my shower and gotten dressed, I got a call from our church office, and the secretary there said that the pastor is sick with the flu, and what was I doing tonight?  I agreed that I would cover for him.  That meant looking at the bulletin, and putting together many of the parts of  the service plus writing a sermon!   I did those things and was very pleased with the way it all came together.

I don't usually pat myself on the back,  but I was happy to be the kind of person who could do that on such short notice.  I felt good about myself.

But the thing is, I am fully aware, and totally believe that during these hard times for me, God knows what I need, and what would be most helpful to me.

Strangely, that involves preparing worship services and sermons, which for a long time now, has been my absolute favorite activity.

And so out of the blue, along came multiple chances to do the kind of thing I love most.

Because, quite honestly, God knows!  God knows indeed!