A friend’s son-in-law was having some trouble and they found that he had major heart problems. No one suspected this as he is in otherwise good physical health. He had a quadruple bypass today. We prayed for him and waited for the word. Later in the morning, my friend sent a message saying that the surgery was successful and he was already recovering very well. That was good news.
I Found God today in a successful surgery and relieved friend.
In my aqua aerobics class, we have a topic for discussion on Wednesdays. Today’s topic was good neighbors. I shared my story of the wonderful neighborhood we lived in when my oldest son was a child. There were 4 houses that were all very good friends. The kids played together and the adults socialized together. For the most part, we left the doors unlocked and the kids came and went as they pleased, calling us by our first name. They also looked out for one another. It was truly a blessing. Every person in the class had a similar story. Their neighbors turned into wonderful friends and more like family. It was a very uplifting conversation.
I Found God today remembering great neighbors.
I find the politics in our society pretty disturbing, so I deliberately did not watch the State of the Union address. However, I did come upon the near end of it by accident. The President was introducing a gentleman who was rescued from the Dachau concentration camp. Sitting next to him was an American soldier who helped to liberate the camp. Seeing the two men side by side was very moving to me. When the young American soldier joined the Army, I wonder if he realized the impact he would make on one person and consequently a family and a nation. It was yet another example of choosing good over evil and the effect one person can have. It didn’t even matter to me if it was a political move or not. The scene was beautiful.
I Found God today realizing the impact a person can have on many lives.
In my bible study class tonight, we went through the book of Judges. This is a rather disturbing book describing the continuous cycle of disobedience, consequences, and faith of the nation of Israel. During that period of time, the Israelites would do whatever they wanted, deciding not to obey God and not to teach their children about Him. This led to things going so badly for them that they ended up in slavery much of the time. But, when they remembered that God said He was with them, they would cry out to Him. He would help them by sending a judge who would act on His behalf and set the Israelites free once more. They were happy and lived life in accordance with God’s will for a while, then would again go about doing whatever they wanted. This cycle continued over and over again – each time ending worse than the previous. I thought about how the same thing happens to me on a personal level. I try to live my life in accordance with God’s commandments. I can go on for a while feeling like I’m doing pretty good and start doing little things that I shouldn’t. Before I know it, I’m in a bad way. The good news is that God is still with me as He promised. And when I cry out to Him, He listens and sets me back on track.
I Found God today realizing God’s grace when it is most needed.
I visited some friends today who told me about their plans for the next few months and into the summer. They plan on helping with 2 missions. They also plan on hosting foreign exchange teachers. And they talked about how they take each of their grandchildren and those close to them on their own personal mission trip. I was inspired by their generosity and faith.
I Found God today in generous, faithful friends.
When things are not going as well as I would like them to be, it is easy to become discouraged. I can easily forget all the blessings, kindness, and gentleness the Lord has shown me. Today I read a meditation that talked about remembering. I took a few minutes after reading to purposefully think about the difficult situations I have been in and how God has seen me through. While things don’t always happen the way I want them to, I have to practice trusting in God’s great plan and unfailing love. Doing this little exercise helped to redirect my thoughts and is something I should do daily.
I Found God today remembering how He has always been present.
Today we made another trip to the doctor and received the best news possible for and issue that arose. There is still a concern and decisions to be made, but we are grateful for the good news. I feel our prayers at work.
I Found God today in the best news possible.
Yesterday, before the delightful man went his way, he told my mother how beautiful she is. Today, she had a procedure at the hospital. The woman who checked her in complimented her on her lovely silvery, white curly hair. Then she turned to me and said that she looked so good for 86 years old. A few minutes later, the nurse came in to get my mom all ready. She also commented on her beautiful hair and how well she looked for her age. Later in the day, my mom said she never felt like she was particularly pretty and thought it was so funny that many people tell her that she is. Of course, I’m a little biased, but I have always thought my mom is beautiful. Oh – and the procedure went just fine.
I Found God today in others appreciating the beauty of my mother.
My dad had a test at the hospital today, so my mom and I spent some time in the waiting area. While we were there, an older gentleman started chatting. He told us how he was there to have the battery replaced in his pacemaker. About 6 years ago, his heart was in such a bad way, he was on the list for a heart transplant. The doctors inserted the device to “buy him some time”. Evidently, it worked so well that he didn’t require a transplant at all. The device is doing all the work to keep his heart pumping and now he just needed a new battery. He told us how grateful he was to doctors, technology, and God for giving him a second chance on life. He talked further about how we need each other in the world and how important it is to follow the example Jesus Christ set for us. He makes it his mission to be kind to the people he meets and to help bring them a little joy. Before he left, he held out his hand and gave me some smiles to take with me. “Share them with everyone. They are fully transferable and there is an endless supply.” He was a delight.
I Found God today in a joyful, faithful man.
It has been a couple of weeks since my mom’s friend came over for her usual weekly visit. Things have been busy at her house and at ours. So it was good that she came over today. We all got caught up on the latest family and church news. She and my mom played their piano pieces. And we went out to lunch. In the busy-ness that happens in life, it is good to have the time to do some of the usual activities.
I Found God today enjoying a usual day with a family friend.
Still Finding God 