Pastor Paul's June Message

Dear Members & Friends,

 The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, "we boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

The name Mary Chapin Carpenter is probably not familiar to most of you.  Mary is a country singer who first came on the country music scene about 20 years ago.  She is a great story teller and her songs always have something to say.  In the Spring of 2007, Mary had just returned from a concert tour.  She was at home in Charlottesville, Virginia when she suddenly experienced severe chest pain and shortness of breath.  She was rushed to the hospital and she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, blood clots in the lung.  Very often this is fatal, but Mary recovered.

In the days, weeks and months following this incident Mary experienced many of the usual symptoms following such a traumatic event.  There was the difficult recovery, the lack of energy, lack of motivation and periods of depression.  She wrote a lot during this period and as she tells her story, she explains that a trip to the grocery store put life back into perspective.  The young man at the cash register asked her if she wanted a paper bag or plastic.  As he finished bagging her few items he told her, "Enjoy the rest of your day."  Mary looked at him and she realized he meant what he said.  Those words stopped her in her tracks.  She went back to her car and couldn't stop crying.

Mary rediscovered life.  After this health scare, she says, "Not a lot changed in my life, but rather a sense of appreciation was deepened, a sense of purpose and identity."  She continued, "You need to make sure your spiritual suitcase is in order and you know who you are.  Try to live your life every day to the fullest."

When I reflect on the first half of 2010, did I want to spend the first three months in and out of hospitals, thinking I might have a terminal illness, having surgery and dealing with the pain associated with my recovery?  Given a choice, I am certain I would have decided this was not something I was interested in experiencing.

However, now that I am on the other side of surgery, I can answer the following questions in the affirmative.  Will I be a better pastor because of this experience?  I believe I will.  Will I be able to have more compassion on the patient I am visiting in the hospital?  I believe I will.  Will I be more empathetic with someone suffering from debilitating pain?  I believe I will.

"We boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

Mary Chapin Carpenter knows this.  I know this.  And, I am pretty sure most of you know it too.  Life is not perfect.  And, we are better people, because it is not.

         In His Service,