March 12, 2023

       I woke up early this morning and spent some time in prayer for some others.  Two folks very dear to my heart got devastating news this week about their health.  Like many of you have for me, I pray for them every day. 
       I spent time praying for Matt Rose, who preached this morning.  I’ve never heard Matt preach.  For all I know, this may be his first time in a typical church setting.  It made me think about the first revival that I preached when I was just 19.  Somehow God moved in a pastor’s heart to invite us to come for three days.  He had never met me and only knew the family of one of the girls in the quartet.
       It worked out rather well in my life, setting the foundation for the rest of my life.  It worked out well in my sister’s life, who gave her heart to Jesus that Sunday morning.  It worked out well in the life of that church.  Four others gave their hearts to Jesus that morning, including a mom, dad, and a teenage son.
       I couldn’t help but think I must have at least some of the feelings that pastor must have felt.  Sometimes we trust the Lord when He nudges us to do something, leaving the results in His hands.
       I saw something this morning that I had never seen in all the times I have stayed in a motel.  After grabbing some breakfast before church (on line!), I got off on the floor of my room.  A young guy, maybe 20 or so was getting on.  It was obvious that he was checking out.  He had his backpack and some other personal items.  And a TV under arm.  I just smiled and said, “Have a good day.”
       It’s a rare thing, other than a couple of times due to covid, that I am not in church on a Sunday morning. 
       Watching online is far better than not being able to be connected at all, but it isn’t the same.  I have heard that you encouraged Matt this morning.  We’ve known his family (Teresa far more than I have) for a long time.  We crossed paths with him while we were doing some personal business with the company where he is employed.  He told me that he may be feeling the call to ministry.  Where better to get your feet wet than at a loving fellowship like Daybreak?   I spoke with him afterwards.  He was blessed with the opportunity.
       Today is Teresa’s birthday.  I’m sorry I can’t be there with her, but I have been told that she was showered with lots of love this morning.  She ate with the kids and grandkids this afternoon.  She might not even notice that I’m not there, at least until maybe when the check came for the lunch!
       I did something this weekend that I have never done before and would never do in Lexington or Cynthiana or Lawrenceburg or anywhere that someone might recognize me.  Hopefully some of you with perverted minds didn’t go too far. 
       It was snowing like crazy and the wind was blustery.  I just couldn't help it.  I parked in the Senior Parking spot.  Not the handicapped spot, but one of four spots for seniors.  I drug out of the car and walked slowly, just in case someone was noticing.
       This is the eighth day that I have been away.  I have eaten alone now for those eight days.  That’s not a big deal for me because I know it’ll be just a few more days before I am back to a somewhat normal life for me.
       But I have thought about some people whom I love dearly who eat alone most of the time.  There’s no chance that I feel what they feel lots of the time.  Invite someone to eat with you who might live alone.  It might make both of your days.
       It snowed again over night.  Lots of it for a Kentuckian, not so much for the folks here.  There’s a reason I don’t live in Minnesota. 
       One point to ponder today.  Sometimes ice cream is worth the calories.
       Getting ready for an important week.
 
Much love.