A Field Trip Home

With his permission slip signed by the doctors, Pastor came home to "visit" for the first time in 12 days. They wanted him to practice getting in and out of the truck, walking up the steps, and negotiating his way around with his walker...all while keeping in mind his physical precautions. He cannot turn his head to the left or right, bend down at the waist, cross his legs, or "walk and chew gum at the same time", as he puts it. They also wanted to see his home and office to help eliminate any safety risks and advise of items still needed in order for him to be comfortable. The therapist measured the height of each chair, making sure they were atleast 20" high. She also told us where to place shower bars and other aids. The doctors will order a hospital bed for him to use at home for a while and he will move to the T.V. room until things get easier. He ventured over to the church building , walking through his office to get to the sanctuary. He will need a new office chair that does not have wheels and does not swivel. Some men in the church are working on some new handrails for the steps up to his pulpit area, but he can use the podium when he is ready. As he stood behind it, even the therapist noted his posture staighten and his demeanor change. If y'all had been there, he would have started preaching right at you! He told her, "These are my people, the people I love. Life is about loving and having someone to love. And I love these people".

The hardest thing about the trip was leaving. In light of all these physical changes, it is difficult to see his state as a "light affliction". Yet, he is ever grateful for God's grace and mercy on his soul and his life, and anxious to serve Him all the more. Please pray that these afflictions will work in him a "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory".
(II Corinthians 4:17) To God be the glory!