ISAIAH 61:1-4

ISAIAH 61:1-4


The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and has anointed me to
Preach the good news to the poor. .
Bind up the brokenhearted,
Proclaim freedom for the captives,
Proclaim release from darkness for the prisoners,
Comfort all who mourn
Provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
The oil of gladness for mourning
And a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness

Monday, August 4, 2008

A Spiritual Potpourri
Or Monday's Musings
Christy, Jayne, PJ, Laura

I know that God has a sense of humor. Sometimes I hear him laughing as he responds to some of my requests/complaints. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was depressed. "God I don't even have any friends," I complained. "At least not ones my own age. I always just hang out with my kids and their friends. I think I don't even have a life of my own."

Then...my DIL arranged an outing...her mother, another friend and I were invited to join her for a day of shopping, lunch, etc. We laughed, ate, shopped, laughed and ate some more. At the chic little Italian Cafe, it was a wonder they didn't throw us out. We were the most raucous table at lunch...giggling over life's silliness. At one point I had a fleeting thought that maybe somebody should have brought the Depends...I laughed that hard!!! (Pictures above)

Then another friend (also my age group) was stranded here for a couple of days when returning from a trip. I spend a wonderful afternoon with her. And this week we got a call from a friend we went to Bible College with (Believe me that was a LONG time ago!) who was going to be in town. So this past weekend we spend with them.

And I could hear God smiling..."Is this enough for you, PJ? I can bring more friends here if you still have enough energy!"

"Next week, God. This is Monday. I'm tired today."

Today I finally went to my primary care Doctor to follow up on cholesterol tests made in MARCH! I knew it was high, and so is my blood pressure. I just didn't want to deal with taking more meds. So after I leave the doctor's office with samples and new prescriptions, I'm complaining. "This getting old stinks. I hate meds. Why can't I just still be healthy, God? Can't you arrange that?"

While looking for a parking place to leave a package with friend at her place of employment -- a hospital -- I keep spiraling up the parking garage. No spaces. "Come on, God. I need a parking place here!"

Then I pass some reserved ones: "For Dialysis Patients" And I hear Him smile.

"You're right, God. I'm grateful. I'm truly thankful that I don't qualify for those spots," I reply with tears streaming down my face.

I'm grateful that I haven't had either a heart attack nor a stroke while in denial about needing meds for blood pressure and cholesterol. I'm thankful that in spite of having had a liver resection and cancer in the last two and a half years, I'm fully recovered. While I may resent this business of getting old and needing medications to maintain an active life, I recognize that my active life is a Gift from God. As are my Friends!!!

And...while I'm struggling with the idea (and facts) of growing older, that too is a Gift from God.

Pastor Phylis

5 comments:

  1. You are blessed PJ...
    I am so glad that I "know" you...this post is inspiring...
    we all have a good life and should be thankful to Him for providing to us...
    Thank you
    BG

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  2. Ah, such a blessing when we realize how blessed we really are. How fun to have the experiences with "aged" friends, lol.

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  3. You blessed me today with this blog. I have been feeling the same way especially as another one is lining up to leave the nest.
    Thanks!
    Kathy

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  4. hey chica, this post? BEAUTIFUL!

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