With my new pastorate I am finding myself captivated with
meeting many wonderful people. This
church has already shown an overwhelming spirit of love toward me and my
family. In the last seven days our
doorbell has rung with people sharing warm smiles and armloads of garden
delights. Tomatoes, melons, berries, and
the like are only a few of the tangible expression of love that we are
experiencing. Not a day goes by without
several people offering help, providing service, and assuring us of assistance
in the upcoming move of our belongings.
When I look at these folks, I find that I need them. I am to be their pastor, and a church needs a
pastor, but God has shown His hand in the blessing that as much as they need me
I need them.
Therefore, my thoughts today have been about how the church
is always the people. My Bible study and prayer time this morning had me in
great thankfulness for all the folks past and present that have been a part of
my life. Looking through a few photos
recently taken, one person in particular has come to mind.
When I first became the pastor at Holiday Shores Baptist God
placed me in a friendship with a man, who to this day still encourages me
greatly. Mark came by on the second day
I was in the office to help me learn the lay of the land. We climbed in his immaculate Dodge Ram truck
well stocked with ice cold cokes.
Everything about Mark was particular.
Whether it was his endless lists or pegboard garage walls, everything
has a place and purpose.
That day Mark drove me around for eight hours, from one end
of the county to the other. He pointed
out history, stores, and his favorite: restaurants. I learned about Fast
Eddy’s, the River Road, the Innkeeper, Red’s BBQ, and where to buy a good
boat. He told me of fishing holes and
places to take the family. He helped me
to find hospitals and churches in the association.
Often, Mark would come up to the church to piddle. He seemed to love any opportunity to change
light bulbs, paint walls, and clean out closets. His service was extremely heartwarming. Never complaining, he simply served in
silence.
I remember opportunities Mark created for us to go fishing
together, to eat out, and to simply send a card of encouragement in the mail.
Then on day Mark took ill.
The illness was very serious. It
would forever change his marriage to Patsi.
He nearly died on several occasions.
He was hospitalized in ICU for several weeks, and it would be months
before he could be transferred to a nursing and rehab home. All his hopes and dreams for retirement, his
big plans to take his beloved wife on a special trip all changed in a matter of
hours. In his condition his mind is
often foggy, his speech impaired. This brings upon me a heavy heart of sorrow.
Two weeks ago, I attended Mark and Patsi’s 40th
wedding anniversary party. It was a
great joy. Patsi’s willingness to love
on Mark despite his infirmities is an inspiration. She is a rock of strength, though she would
never ever admit it. She emanates
unconditional love for a man whom need constant care and can provide little
response. She looks at what was and is
with great thankfulness to her Savior.
Without dwelling on what could have been, she presses on giving glory to
God.
An ambulance from the nursing home brought Mark to the party
at church. He was wheeled in and Patsy
immediately took his side. I was quite
overwhelmed at this scene, loving wife and husband, still together. Then in the style that Mark always displayed
in our friendship, his eyes met mine, he grinned with his amazing smile, and
simply said “Hey Wes.”
That simple action has reminded me of how our great God is
so good. How we can delight in Him
despite our circumstances. Mark’s simple
hello brought a flood of warmth and encouragement to me through the memories of
our better days together. Mark’s “hey
Wes” reminded me that our circumstances are always in the hand of God. Looking forward, there are better days
ahead. This illness is passing. I have confidence that one day Mark will be
physically whole again in Heaven. Till
that day comes, Patsi will be loving her husband and I will hold to the hope
that is in Jesus as He still works through the saints. God is still using Mark, to encourage Patsi,
myself, and those who call upon the name of the Lord.
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