Christ is risen ... He is risen indeed. Hallelujah!
What better way to celebrate the rising of our Savior and Lord from the tomb than to gather as a family in His reigning presence. We were delighted to welcome our oldest daughter and her family for the Resurrection Day weekend. The house was full of sharing, laughter, and lots of spring cleanup activity. Our hearts rejoiced with it all.
For me, the crowning piece is not the special meal, though it is delicious and a precious time of fellowship. It’s not the flowers either whose variety and colors abound, though they are beautiful and brighten our surroundings. Rather, I revel in being together as a family in worship before our Triune God; Creator, Sustainer and Judge of all that was and is and is to be. Amen
I sat in the sanctuary along side the next two generations and my heart was filled with thankfulness for the faithfulness of my heavenly Father. Regardless of my unworthy condition He continues to express His delight in me with intimacy. This extraordinary worship blessing was one among many God seems to be pouring into my life lately. Last month He brought the truth of Genesis 50:20 to life in a way I pray I’ll never forget.
I’d gone to Washington, DC to meet with the legislators from Maine. I was able to visit each of the four offices as well as visit the Senate and House galleries so I considered it a successful day. On my way to the bus that would take me out of the city I fell and broke my foot ... my right foot. Of course I didn’t know at the time it was broken, but I knew it was badly injured. My brothers and sisters ministered to me throughout the evening and shepherded me through as much of my travel home as they were able. Many of them wondered aloud if I would be able to make my spring trip to Europe. I was concerned about my trip to Tennessee the following week.
Curt met me at the airport and took me directly to the ER. That’s when the x-rays confirmed that a bone in my foot had been chipped. I spent the weekend pondering the questions that were raised about my ability to travel as I laid on the couch. [aside: Why does everyone immediately assume an injury means God is telling one to slow down?] I knew that no matter what it would take, I was going to meet the commitments I’d made. I just kept praying that I wouldn’t have to undergo surgery nor be burdened with a plaster cast. I guess I’m just a practical kinda gal.
The orthopedist was surprised I wasn’t in any pain. I was surprised at the amount of black, blue, green, and yellow that covered my foot. We discovered that I could bear weight on it without discomfort so the doc took away my crutches. When I told him I intended to get on a plane in less than 48 hours he considered whether to put me in one of those large supportive boots or a simple aircast. Hallelujah, the aircast won!
You see, Curt broke his right ankle four months earlier. I had a clear understanding about how casts, crutches, canes, and not being able to drive can affect one’s life. I immediately started praising God all over again - for dodging those bullets on top of bringing me back to my Honey’s arms. As Dr. Avery applied the aircast I realized it was easily removable. When he confirmed my realization, I started thanking God that I’d be able to take showers. Hallelujahs rose up all over again!
Since I already ask for assistance when I travel, I felt cleared to make my way to Chattanooga with bells on my toes. Hah, God had more rich blessings waiting for me. A couple of hours before the conference was to begin I approached the entrance doors. Of course they were locked, but at just that moment someone came out. I asked kindly if I might put my things on a chair ahead of time. I think the cane and slippers might have helped, but I know that God was the One who granted me favor.
I made my way toward the stage and choose a seat in the very front row. It’s my habit to arrive quite early and rush in as soon as the doors open. This time God made the way clear for me to choose a seat in my favorite place without any waiting or rushing. When I returned for the opening session, there were my things. I wanted to announce to the world that God is The Perfect Usher. Wait, there’s more.
I realized that it would be best if my foot, broken only a week earlier, would be most comfortable if I were able to elevate it. I asked a passing stage hand if there might be a chair I could use for that purpose. He was quite pleasant about my request and returned quickly with a straight-backed chair. Can you picture that? I was lounging in the front row. Wait, there’s still more.
As the opening sessions were coming to a close I realized that a helpful person might come along and remove what appeared to be a randomly-placed chair. I didn’t want that to happen so I sought the Lord for what to do. I took out a small pad and wrote on it, “Please leave to elevate a broken foot. Thank you and God bless. :-)”
I appeared the next morning for a new day of feasting on the Word of God. As I made my way to the front of the auditorium, I saw the elevating chair still in its place with my little pad sitting on it. God had reserved my seat for me ... and so it was for the whole event. Among more than 2400 women, my Daddy reserved a front row seat for ME. Hallelujah to the Lord!
Yes, Genesis 50:20 came alive for me last month in Chattanooga as did Romans 8:28. Who would believe that a physical threat such as a broken foot could lead to rejoicing? I do and I pray you will too now that you’ve read my report. There were no mishaps on this second March trip. God took me, kept me, and fed me and I rejoice in His Holy Name.
Back at home I continue to be thankful to my gracious Daddy. He arranged for sweet reminders of our grandchildren’s Easter visit. On Sunday evening I found their toothbrushes and “monogrammed” cups resting on the bathroom counter, waiting for me to tuck them in the cupboard. On Monday Curt discovered a chocolate egg hidden in the fireplace matches, unclaimed by little ones and a delight to a grownup. On Tuesday we found a company of army men safely encamped behind the mail basket in the living room. Each discovery flooded our hearts with warm memories and filled the air around us with chuckles.
These varied glimpses cause me to revel in the goodness of our God as He weaves my life into the masterpiece of His grace. I pray that you too are being wrapped up in His all-sufficient love and mercy.
