What We Take For Granted

Well, I have now just passed 1 week since my back fusion surgery. Nothing I'd recommend for the fun of it, but if it has to be done, it has to be done. My recovery is going well I guess, but not nearly as fast as I would like! I have certainly been moved by the outpouring of care and support from folks. Thanks to all!

This time has definitely reminded me of a very important fact: we take so much for granted! I simply cannot state that strongly enough. Where do I start? If you are living pain free, count yourself blessed. Not everyone does. How about the many ways we move with our bodies such as bending over, putting on a pair of socks, standing up from a chair, picking up a child, walking, running; I could go on and on. These are things that we just never think about. But we need to be so thankful for every little thing. It has been so tough on me having to depend on others so much. How blessed I am that I have my wife and others that I can depend on, who go out of their way to help me. It's not because of some reward, but out of love. Love... yet another thing we take for granted.

I truly believe that it is times like mine that should remind us of how much we should be in awe of and thankful to God. God places so much in our lives that we just take for granted. We like to complain about so many things, blame God for others, or even deny God's very existence. But here is a radical idea. While we make an effort to not take so much for granted, how about we try to not take God for granted?

Rev Chris

Prayer Support

Today marks one week from my pending back surgery. On the one hand, I am looking forward to it for the pain relief, but at the same time it is unsettling because it is a pretty big procedure. As the day draws closer, I continue to hear from friends and family offering their prayers. They are much appreciated!

I'm not sure that we always realize how meaningful and powerful prayers are. I have often heard from folks that I have prayed with in a hospital or in a difficult circumstance. Time and again they let me know how much it meant to them. But I think we sometimes have to find ourselves in the position of needing the prayers to grasp how much they mean.

I guess what I am trying to say is to not underestimate the importance and impact of praying for one another in all circumstances. We should all be ready to offer our prayers to others and equally as ready to receive them.

Chris