The REST of the Story

I am without excuse!

There's not even one legitimate excuse for not writing these many days.

• Yes, I've done two conferences in the past two weeks. But I have navigated as many as six in eight weekends without mishap.
• Yes, we've had an unusual number of members hospitalized lately. But that's not really so rare.
• Yes, I've written sermons, led meetings, and kept office hours. But that goes with the normal weekly schedule.
• Yes, we've covered wedding plans, family dinner, check-up calls to Dad, etc., etc., etc. Again, all part of the routine.

I think perhaps the thing that has pushed me back a little more than usual this time is the level of daunting issues facing so many of the people we love:

• Not just a cold - pneumonia
• Not stomach trouble - diverticulitis
• Not a bad cough - tuberculosis (later ruled out, thank heavens)
• Not a hospital visit - inability to go home without nursing care
  
• Not a marital spat - divorce papers

And so it has gone for the past few weeks.

A friend said it well, "As pastor's wives, we become intimately involved in the lives of those we shepherd. Their troubles become our own. Their sorrows bring us to tears as well. We share their pain and burdens personally."

Such love for others can eventually take a toll. I suppose that's why we're instructed to cast every care on the only One who can effectively impact the circumstances of any life!

"In this world we will have troubles, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world!"

And THAT is the message that keeps us all rolling along in spite of life at its toughest!

Thanks to those of you who graciously asked where I have been. Your kindness brought tears of encouragement to my tired eyes - and pushed me to open the lap top again.

Be of good cheer, dear friends. Help is on the way!!