Pain

Colton had to show me his hand. It had been ravaged by vines. He couldn't turn his friend's four-wheeler fast enough and plowed right through them. It left a few scratches, some lingering paper-cut-like pain, and an exciting story in its' wake. Sometimes it strikes me as odd that hours of fun are remember by the few moments of pain. Sometimes I wonder why Gabrielle wants to tell me a rather sobering story from school rather than the probable many times she made a friend laugh, helped out a classmate, or met someone new.

I thought of this again Sunday after singing "Above All" along with the rest of the congregation. There's so many painful words in that chorus: crucified, die, rejected, alone, trampled,fall. Each one strikes home what He went through and compels me to praise in a different manner. It's a "thank you" in a slightly different way then the song before. I'm forever grateful for the pain he went through for us.

I'm also grateful for the work our armed forces have done and are doing. At church a few weeks ago, through what looked like a little nervousness, one of our military men stepped up to the microphone and spoke what may have been the best spoken poem I had ever heard. He spoke of many of the hardships they go through and of his relentless faith in his Lord Jesus through it all. He is a strong man and we're lucky to have him and others like him serving our country.

I wish I had a written copy of that poem.

I read a question concerning a parents' worst nightmare. If it happened to a friend, I pray I would be there to support them through the worst. If it happened to me, I can only hope my psyche would be as strong as the friend who posed the question.

A few weeks ago, I had gone almost a year without a paying job. We were always so thankful in our prayers, and Kim and the kids would keep praying for a job that I'd like. I was just praying for a job, and half expecting one that would humble me more than anything. I suppose my nature goes back there after being humbled for what seems like a long period of time. We were very mindful of our blessings as well. We were thankful, and prayed for our church, our friends, and everyone else who need Him. We still had the same house over our heads, food to eat, and, I think most importantly, a group of friends that continued to pray. I was having a bad couple hours and selfishly wondered out loud when my prayers would be answered. I supposed I wonder if our maker knew where I was that night. I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but after seeing so many bad things happen to good friends, I wondered how dark it would get before the light came. I wonder if it was in His plans to lift us up after that day. After waiting almost a year, I got a message from some friends within days. That message turned into a job. That job turned out to be one I enjoy. Praise God. I'm extremely grateful for the many prayers. They meant so much to me.

I hope many more prayers our being answered throughout our church and throughout the world. Many of us got the message loud and clear. Right now we could use less sarcasm, less cynicism, less anger and less pain.

And more Love.