Spare Change

This and That...

Posted by Bryan

I know things have been, shall we say...spartan...around here lately. Lots on my plate, figuratively speaking.

Our church is preparing to begin a second service and second Sunday school this fall, and those preparations are consuming. Awesomely fun and involved, but consuming nonetheless.

My pastor has this saying...I don't know if it is original with him or not, but it has proven to be true....he says, "Ministry never happens in a vacuum. It also takes place in the context of life." I think God designs it that way so we may better minister to those in our care. And so, I am not surprised that amidst the exciting climate of growth, change, and opportunity, life happens.

I was saddened by the news back at Easter that my paternal grandmother has a terminal liver cancer. I flew to Denver over Easter and met my family there. We spent the holiday together in a somber celebration. Shortly thereafter, we received news from the oncologist that she has "a hepatic carcinoma," aggressive in nature, that limits her life expectancy to 6 months to 1 year, give or take a couple months. I have decided that some doctors earn their big money on the basis that they have studied the medical thesaurus better than the average person, and on that basis alone.

We have also received additional news that has been devastating, gut-wrenching and painful...and some day I'll likely discuss it more in detail. But not now, because you're the Internet, and I know how you are with things like this. No offense, but let's be honest. You don't keep a confidence very well. I still like you, but I'm not going to ask Winona Ryder if she wants to go shopping, if you know what I mean.

So, it adds up to a scenario where I don't blog much. And when I do, it's usually because of sleepless nights like this one where I spend my time in prayer asking for peace and wisdom, and interceding for those I love at God's throne of grace. Consequently, all that results is light fare, cut & paste quiz results, and forwarded emails. For that I apologize...I have much I desire to share...lessons learned, a passon to discuss the revelation of truth and understanding, and a recap of LOST in haiku form (doesn't it seem to be the only appropriate way to do it?).

It's funny...not in the "ha ha" way...it really is in the crucible of trial where one's beliefs are either proven as genuine or melted like the dross contaminating that which was hidden but true. I don't pretend to face my trials perfectly, but I am thankful that my faith rests in the One who is true and reliable. Because of Him, I am able to give thanks for situations I would wish upon nobody else. He reveals Himself and His sufficiency in these days, and He is good.

May 13, 2006 2:48 AM