I just returned from a follow-up appointment on earlier blood work with my new primary physician who is in his second month of practice since completing his residency in the Akron area. My numbers are now unbelievably good: sed rate down to 11 from 56 and C-reactive protein down to 0.27 from nearly 10.0 three years ago; all largely accomplished by Loretta’s due diligence on my diet and nutrition and many prayers of family and friends. Initially diagnosed with symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica in June ’17, I was then placed on prednisone to merely be mobile and it took nearly a year to wean my self off that steroid.
Headed out the clinic door I spotted my longtime friend Celia in the waiting room. Sitting down beside her, she inquired of my condition and I answered her in all honesty, “I do believe I am the most blessed man you know.” Perhaps I should have just said “that you’ll meet today.” But fact is, that’s just how I felt walking out of the clinic at that moment, though it certainly has not always been that way of late or even ever.
Upon arrival at the clinic and while waiting 20 minutes to get called back, I had cruised my emails from the past 10 days, particularly the daily “encouragement givers” I’ve signed up for but do not always open; such as “My Utmost for His Highest” or the “Ransomed Heart Daily Readings.” Now having read and reflected deeply of their wisdom, I was mindful that “No Man Is An Island,” (RH Aug 20) “The Ministry of the Unnoticed” (Utmost Aug 20) “An Aching Abyss” (RH 27), and maybe 3-4 more. I experienced my own personal spiritual renaissance right there in the waiting room.
Like you, I have more on my “to do TODAY” list than is ever possible physically, but beyond and well below all that projected busyness, is the nagging realization that the “to do list” is not at all what is important for me today, tomorrow or perhaps, ever! I believe the secrete to a life lived well is to continually simplify so that you do not get bogged with the trivial cares of living so you can concentrate primarily on relationships; first yours “vertically”and then, the host of the ‘horizontals” you’ve been entrusted, whether wife, husband, children, grand-children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, fellow workers, neighbors, clients, friends, enemies, etc.
As you, I too have my daily routines of readings and prayers that focus my attention and spirit. But there are times I need to break out and go beyond into new areas of freshness and vibrancy as I just experienced in those 25 minutes in the waiting room. I am so thankful for such an abundance of such tools today that prepare us for the deep communion we can experience both in speaking to and especially while listening to the voice of God to us, and specifically, just to us, as we relish His attention, His presence, and His revealed purposes.
Perhaps a 25 minute encounter like that will cause you too to make a ridiculous presumptuous statement like I did earlier today, “I do believe I am the most blessed man you know!”
Blessings as you Go Forth Today Discovering not only how blessed you are, but indeed, how you may UNCONSCIOUSLY “speak truth” or bless the “horizontals” in your proximity! merlin
PS. I am assuming you are aware nothing effectively works “horizontally”if your “vertical communication” isn’t “live-streaming.” Go to the Source. Be Real. Be Authentic. Implement practically in your life today that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of your wisdom. Mere understanding is a bit iffy!