Here's a devotion written by a member of our congregation, Kim Noble:
Matthew 18:20 (NRSVUE)
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Exodus 20:12 (NRSVUE)
Honor your father and mother.
I planned to visit my parents in Arizona the first week in January. I cancelled that trip so that my husband Dan and I could go together. We rescheduled the trip for February 20th. We knew my dad needed back surgery, but it hadn’t been scheduled yet. Lo and behold, the surgery was scheduled for the day after our arrival. Such a God moment! My dad is 86 years old and was in constant excruciating pain, but the thought of surgery provoked much anxiety for all of us. I reached out to my family and friends to ask for prayers for my dad and added him to the church prayer list.
My dad’s surgery was very successful, and he was released the next day. I don’t know what my mom would have done if Dan and I weren’t there. We did not realize, nor were we told, how much help my dad (and mom) would need.
I have always been close to my parents, and they have always been there for me. It was a wonderful experience, and I was truly blessed by being able to be there for them when they needed me. It was truly an honor and there is no doubt in my mind this is what God has intended for us. It’s not a chore, it’s not a burden, it’s an honor.
God calls us to be in community. We are created to be there for each other. This really came home for me during this time. Every single day I was with my folks I received multiple messages from members of my church family. What a blessing it is to be part of such a wonderful faith-filled community. I cannot adequately express how much this meant to me and my family. We could absolutely feel the prayers! Prayer is powerful and my dad’s recovery has been remarkable. Thanks so much to all of you that reached out, prayed, and loved and supported us during this time.
We saw and felt God’s hand in all of this.