It was exactly a year ago that I spent a night in the hospital for observation after experiencing several of the symptoms of a heart attack. Turns out I had a pinched nerve, which led to neck surgery a few weeks later. My first neck surgery (one vertebra higher) was a decade before that. This recovery has been slower and often discouraging.
I endured an ugly job experience, but learned much about abusive relationships. More than anything, I was reminded to heed my instincts. I had a bad feeling from the get-go and at almost every turn, but kept going far too long. Years ago, I ignored that instinct and broke my elbow. Lesson learned?
I found myself drawn to volunteer for a task
in ministry for which it turns out I have been uniquely qualified. It has been
good to serve in this way. Chalk one up for instinct heeded.
I lost two decades-long friends this year.
Both to cancer. One anticipated, one completely unexpected. Both cared deeply
about others and led servant lives. It seems to me that they should have had
more years to bring joy and blessing to this world. But I don't know of anyone who could enjoy Heaven more.
I'm in the middle of a remodel project on Mom's place that is both over budget and past deadline. One thing leads to another. And I'm not as handy as I used to be. But, once completed, we're good for another 20 years.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16
