Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Merry Go Round

Have you ever felt like you were on a merry go round and just couldn't get off??  That's the ride I have been on for the past several weeks and it hasn't been all that fun!  

Being in the ministry is a blessing as well as a challenge at times.  Growing up in a pastor's home helped prepare me for many of the situations my family has encountered.  We have been traveling to the hospital (an hour away) several times a week to check on and pray with a dear lady in our church who had a surgery with many complications following.  I covet your prayers for her as she continues on the LONG road to recovery and as she is also approaching the one year death anniversary of her husband.  

I attended two funerals last week.  One was like a grandmother to me as I spent many hours playing at her house with her grandchildren while growing up.  I loved her and called her Momo.  God was gracious to her in bringing her home as she was suffering with Alzheimers.  The other was a precious 10 month old baby girl that was in the nursery at the Wee School were I substitute teach.  She was born with an extra chromosome but was a delightful, sweet baby girl.  She had some health complications but seemed to be improving when God called her home.  Her family is strong in the Lord and had a peace beyond understanding at her services.  They feel that their gift from God accomplished her purpose here on earth in her short months.  I know she touched me and I am honored to have been a small part of her life. 

Yesterday, I was preparing to attend the viewing of another saint who has gone home to be with the Lord but those plans changed (*with a phone call) and I will be attending her funeral today instead (barring that the weather holds off....it's suppose to snow here but I'm not holding my breath!).  This wonderful lady spent many years in the education system teaching boys and girls to love learning.  I didn't have her as a school teacher but was privileged to have her as a Bible teacher.  She was the best VBS teacher and really made the Bible Stories interesting and helped them come to life for us.  She will be missed and remembered!  

*My plans changed yesterday when my cell phone rang and someone inquired "Where are you?"  I knew by the tone of the voice something was wrong.  A sweet lady from our church had just wrecked less than a mile from the church on her way home from the beauty shop.  I turned the car toward home so we could be there to support her family and friends.  She is now in Heaven praising our Savior!  Pray for her family as they deal with this sudden unexpected death.

Who knows (Only God does) what this weekend holds?   Sometimes our plans must change according to HIS will.

I can't say that I  understand all of this and know that I never will...but I DO KNOW that God has a plan and a purpose for ALL things and I MUST trust HIM.

I do hope that the Merry Go Round stops soon so I can get off to rest.  :)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1


4 comments:

  1. oh Jana...I am so sorry. I will be praying for you and your church family. Love and hugs~ M

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  2. Praying for you, Jana. I know you are being a great encouragement to all of these families, and to Matt as he ministers to them with you. Love to you and your sweet, tired family.

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  3. Jana, overwhelming & ever draining sometimes it seems. I will be thinking of you & your family as you minister there (in the field) that holds a special Place of my Heart.

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  4. God bless you guys. This is a side of ministry that's sometimes forgotten; building deep relationships with saints means that when they gain heaven, the loss to us hits hard. Prayers for you and yours today!

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