STROKE AS A CAREER MOVE?
About a week ago, Sheri mentioned that this stroke may help me be a more compassionate pastor. I think she’s right. There’s nothing like getting knocked helpless to make you appreciate the plight of those who are struggling. As I’ve said before, I see God’s hand in this. I’m thankful that I had this stroke when I did. Lord willing, I still have 20-25 years of active ministry ahead of me. I’m not sure this was a good “career move”, but I do think it will help make me a better pastor during the next couple decades. Pray to that end.
THANKFUL FOR CHRIST’S COMPLETED WORK
On a related topic, both Sheri and I have been talking about where our hope lies. We believe it is with God. But the truth is, we’ve never had a moment where we didn’t think I’d get well. This challenge has been significant, but we’ve always viewed it as a temporary setback. Would we be so confident in God’s goodness if we wondered if I’d ever work again? Walk again? Talk again? We’d like to think so, and we’re not going to beat ourselves up second-guessing our motivations. We’re aware of how layered our brokenness is. It’s not just that my body is broken, but our souls are as well. We’re sinners. The great news is everything that’s necessary for our ultimate redemption has been accomplished by Christ on the cross.
A GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON
By the way, today my sister and her husband came over from the Quad Cities to join Sheri, Austin, Ben, and I for a Gino’s East pizza picnic outside of my rehab center. They then wheeled me over to a local track and, with significant help, I walked a quarter of a mile on the track.
My progress is slow, but steady.
Press on,
Mike