Notes from Norman

Tumor Tumult (3)

We’re beginning the process of appointing elders, so I was asked to share some of my insights on “Shepherds: Their Responsibility and Ours.” I asked Dr. Moller if it would be all right to preach. He said, “Well if you don’t get too exercised.” I told him that I’m not Pentecostal. However I was passionate about my subject and I did “get exercised” but I made sure I stayed behind the pulpit. It went well. He went on to say, "I think it will do you good.

After the sermon, I shared my medical condition with the church. As I expected, they were tremendously supportive. Our people do a wonderful job of caring.

With the weekend, we haven’t gotten much of anything done. We’ve been doing internet research, but that’s about all.

I’ve had occasion to reflect on my condition, my mortality and the future. I remember that Jesus taught us not to worry about tomorrow. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” is the way the King James Version says it. I tend to be a worst-case scenario person. I play out the worst-case scenario in my mind and when it doesn’t happen, I consider anything short of that as a blessing. However, I’ll admit I’ve done too much worst-case imagining over the past few days. When I’ve had enough of it, I stop and count my blessings. It’s amazing how many blessings I see that I’ve overlooked. When I woke up this morning I stretched and moved my legs. If I were a quadriplegic, I wouldn’t be able to do that. I thank God for the movement in my legs and arms. My mind is clear (well as clear as it ever was). I thank God for rational thought. My family support is incredible. I thank God for my family. People in my church family are willing to knock themselves out to do whatever I need. I thank God for my church family. God is good and life is good. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

posted by Norman @ 1:56 PM