Yesterday was a wonderful, and exhausting, day. God showed up and worked where I failed, and many people helped by filling in for those who were not able to be in attendance. As for my musings …

-I am sitting at my kitchen table this morning as I type this post. I am my wife’s caretaker for a few days. She had double knee replacement surgery last Wednesday. She came home on Saturday and is doing fantastic. She is getting up and down from her recliner by herself (I am standing by her, just in case.) She walks around the house with her walker and I am just her back-up. I am keeping track of the medicine she is taking and getting food to her when she feels like eating. The pain medicine is messing with her stomach a little. I am in awe of how well she is doing. She is a rock star!

-Yesterday one of my sons in law came and led worship for us. My wife normally leads and given her current situation (see above paragraph), she is unable to do that for a little while. He came last minute because the person I thought was coming to help let me know on Friday afternoon that they would not be able to help. So, he, my daughter and 3 of our grandkids, rearranged their schedules and made the 3 ½ hour trip from Iowa to help. It was a special blessing to have all of them here. Plus, my son in law is really good at leading worship.

-Our daughter from Michigan made the over 4-hour trip on Saturday to be here when we got home from the hospital. She stayed beside my wife on Saturday night so that I could get some sleep before Sunday morning. She stayed with her while I was at church. She prepared a few meals for us to heat up before she left Sunday afternoon.

-I am blessed with a great family. With the help of technology, I was able to keep our son, and his family (they are serving in Africa), informed of my wife’s progress all week. They couldn’t come to help, but they have been praying and sending support.

-We had a few other people who had unexpected circumstances yesterday and were unable to attend and serve in their normal places. Our people adjusted, and others stepped in and did well. I love our congregation and our community.

-I did a terrible job of presenting the message yesterday. The Holy Spirit did a fantastic job of speaking to people’s minds and hearts. We had several people respond at the end of the service. God is good.

-My wife and I are so blessed to have such a caring and generous congregation. They have filled in for us this past week. They have lifted us in prayer. They have provided food, care and compassion.

-I had a funeral on Friday last week. That makes either 9 or 10 funerals I have participated in since January 1. Just like the snow that came overnight, I am ready for that to change.

-We are waiting for the home health care to come and set up my wife’s home therapy schedule.

-Burdened this morning for a couple of ministry friends who are in difficult situations. Praying that they will be assured of God’s presence and guidance. Praying that they have people come alongside them to encourage them. Praying that they will know God’s will. Praying that I can be the friend and support that they need.

-I am really being challenged by a book my District Superintendent gave to all the pastors on our District. The book is “Hero Maker”, by Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird. I began reading it while my wife was in surgery. I am about half way through the book and have marked it up and written notes in the margins. I will write more about what the book is stirring in me when I finish the book.

Here’s hoping you find someone to encourage today and that you will be encouraged by something today.

Dennis