Being the Mission

You know….for the last 6 years I have loved and served my neighborhood friends.  What a joy it has been!  I love my community!!!  I am often a ‘go-to’ person for a lot of people.  My neighborhood has been my ‘mission’ and way of life.  Now, it was time for Louis and me to be their mission.

A month ago, Louis had emergency surgery due to 2 massive kidney stones drop about the same time jeopardizing function of both kidneys.  They are too big to pass. Although the doctors created a temporary fix, Louis had 3 additional procedures to go through.  One down…two more to go!  The kidney stents relieved the emergency, but he is still extremely uncomfortable and still can’t do a lot.  When he does, he suffers for it later.

On Friday, I had some outpatient abdominal surgery and have spent the last few days laid up in stretchy pants.  Our neighborhood and community friends have been nothing short of amazing.  Visits, flowers, food (and ICE CREAM!!!), dishes, carrying out the trash, prayers, phone calls, etc.

At times, this has been difficult for me….more so than Louis, actually.  He does a much better job of ‘receiving’ than I do.  Louis likes to remind me of Jesus’ words…

Acts 20:35  New International Version (NIV)

³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Louis tells me, ‘don’t steal someone’s blessing’.  That when I don’t accept someone’s help or gift, I could be robbing them of a blessing.  So, I pray the Lord pours out his blessings on all who have helped, visited, gave or will give and especially on those who have offered, but I was too prideful to receive!  Pour it out, Lord.

Although Louis would probably disagree, I think we both have problems with asking for help, but are more willing to receive it when offered. Why is it so hard for us to ask? For me, I guess this is still an issue of pride getting in the way.  A facade that it’s all good. I got it all under control.  When in fact, I don’t have it under control at all, and need the help of friends and family.

I need to keep this in mind when I give and help…or offer.  Some of my thoughts since I’ve been chillin’…How can I reach through or around other’s pride to reach real areas of need?  How can we assist people and still maintain their dignity?  How can I show my own vulnerability in a real and humble way?  How can I expose my needs and still feel OK about it?  What am I really worried about?  What keeps me from doing that?

Thanks again to everyone who has played a role in our care!  We love and appreciate you greatly!

Gratefully yours….Marti

ps.  I’m now off pain meds and about it get behind the wheel of my car!  YAY!