Frozen

So, the heatwave of ten degrees comes to an end. Forecast to be just a little over zero with a windchill of -15 degrees! Now isn't that special?? My mom will be discharged from the hospital this morning, and we have to somehow coordinate that with picking up my car which is at the Honda dealer with frozen windshield washer lines. My car is not the only thing that is frozen in this weather....Just what we need with Mom requiring 24/7 care, discharge, shopping, and house modifications ASAP. Would it really have shifted the heavenly plan to have my car stay trouble-free?

But, God knows best. Dad and I left Mom a little early last night at the hospital, and dashed out to the Honda dealer. They arranged for a shuttle to take us home, and when advised of our struggles to coordinate Mom's discharge and the need for her to always have someone with her, promised to have the car done before we had to pick up Mom from the hospital. They were slammed with business, but they made a special effort to work us in, and told us they hoped my mom would be better soon.

Dad and I climbed wearily into the shuttle. Anyone who has cared for a critically ill patient and sat bedside for a week at the hospital knows how draining and emotionally exhausting it is. The driver was gentle and friendly, and we struck up a conversation. One thing led to another, and we discovered he was a retired pastor with Salvation Army. He and I exchanged stories of helping the disadvantaged because that is what Christ would have us do. He told us of his work planting churches in Russia and surrounding areas. He spoke of ministering to the homeless. He did not mind the cold, and when he retired, he was happy to do so in upstate NY. I wondered why he drove a shuttle bus in his retirement from the ministry, but felt perhaps, this was his new ministry. As we got out of the car, he said, "What is your mother's name? I will pray for her."


Dad and I left that hallowed Honda shuttle with a mutual sense of peace.
"What a treasure that was," said Dad.

The Bible tells us that we are never alone in our struggles. He is always there, but He also knows the comfort of each other.

You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19

Thank you, Jesus for momentarily thawing a frozen corner of our world.
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Psalm 23:1-6 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...