Yesterday, I went to the doctor. Now I don’t normally do that easily. But I felt bad. I called Dr. Sudan’s office as soon as they openned asked if he could "work me in."
"What seems to be the problem?"
"Runny nose, coughing, watery eyes. Just mention that I am having general misery" I think she laughed…
I went to his office and sat in the waiting room for about an hour, waiting to be worked in. I sat in a chair in the corner, eyes closed and slumped down. At one point, I heard a lady on the other side of the room say, "I’m not sure who is next. The guy over in the corner has been here longer than me."
Finally, my name was called. Within five minutes, I saw Dr. Sudan. Hours later, after all of that medicine went to work, I was already feeling somewhat better.
I don’t know about you, but when I am feeling bad, everything else seems gray, dull, or even bad. Everything seems half empty or even empty. The same thing holds true when I feel discouraged or disheartened.
This morning, I made a list of recent positive, encouraging experiences connected in some way with our church. I receive each one of these as gifts from God. The gifts are present, yet often I am not aware (or appreciative) of these provisions from God. Maybe I will have to work sometime to see these gifts (especially when I am discouraged or disheartened by something. Yet, none of that stops God from sending his provisions. I’m thankful for such grace this morning.
I have really enjoyed reading your posts for the last…you are very honest and I appreciate that. A word of encouragement: Scripture says to give thanks in everything (I Thess 5:17, Phil. 4:4, etc.) I find that this takes my eyes off myself and puts them where they belong–on God. I don’t feel better physically, but it doesn’t destroy me spiritually. After all, Colossians says that I am seated with Christ at the right hand of God. Is that true, or do we write it off??
Blessings,
James
James–Thanks for your encouraging note.