May 19, 2023 - Not a Word

     The Friday treatment only lasts about half an hour.  Sunshine at Baptist Health came through and moved the treatments to 8 a.m. from 11:30-1:00 as they had previously been.  The treatment is over early and I get on with my day.
     Sunshine continues to be a blessing in my life.
     Teresa and I drive a lot between our house, church, and Cynthiana.  About 60,000 miles a year between us.  We have a lot of miles on our cars.  Over half a million between them.
     That means they break down, sometimes more often than others.
     We had a major car repair to Teresa’s Edge.  The second day we drove it after it was fixed, we knew something major was still wrong.  We took it back to the dealership and we were told that it was coincidence that there is a second major issue.
     I found that quite difficult to believe.  And somewhat still do, though the repair shop may change that feeling as they get into a second major repair.  If you are wondering, the two major repairs would be the two that we all hope that neither ever happens to our cars.
     Her car sat at the dealership for 3-4 days before we could both get there to pick it up and take it to the repair shop.  I had rehearsed several times what I was going to say.  Kind of like the prodigal son did when he was heading back home to his father.
     When I got to the dealership and walked in to get the key from the service technician with whom we had dealt, I took the key with somewhat of a smile and I didn’t say a word. 
     That’s hard for all of us.  In his small letter James gives us a lot of practical advice about the tongue.  His first word about it is this: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
     Sometimes, maybe most of the time, not saying a word might just be the prescription for dealing with a circumstance that comes our way.
     I have found that as a good husband (not that I am one, mind you) the best thing at times that I can do is not say a word.  I have no doubt that is multiplied for Teresa to me, especially as she has had to deal with the new “not so normal” of the changes going on in my life.
     One of the side effects I have been told from others who have been on a lot of steroids is that the steroids make them grumpy.  I have tried really hard not to come across grumpy.  Teresa has been a trooper.  I have a feeling that we are just in boot camp of working through this.
     I didn’t say a word.  That might have been a minor miracle, but as I look back on it, I am glad that God gave me the grace I needed to be the witness for Him in a not so good situation.
     That might be a good plan for today and maybe tomorrow.  There is a time to speak and a time to remain silent.  Lord, give me the wisdom and grace to know and live out when to not say a word and when and what to say.