Father Gray sent an email yesterday, reminding us to move our clocks ahead an hour to welcome Daylight Savings Time. I suspect some will attend the later service tomorrow. Me,too. Not due to sleeping in but because I agreed to be Exhibit A in back to back sessions of Sunday School, one of which is during the nine o’clock service.
Not sure why I got picked, except, we’ve been having a series on aging and preparing for death. They must’ve decided I looked like a good fit.
Well, it’s appropriate since I go in for knee surgery Monday and there’s nothing quite like aching joints to remind one of aging and death.
Last Sunday I hobbled up to the pulpit to read scripture. As I headed back to the pew, Maggie and Kate were clapping. That was a first for me and probably for those seated nearby. Spontaneous encouragement for reading or walking without falling?
Joan Chittister’s, the Gift of Years, reminds us aging comes with “blessings and burdens.” Grands are definitely a blessing.
Jud and I engraved Robert Browning’s words in our wedding bands, “Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.” The blessing is all the years we shared together. The burden is facing surgery without Jud’s calming presence, strong hands, knee-buckling smile and the fact we were to age together
There are other blessings: Heather flies in tonight, Chad put up grab bars in the bathroom, two clappers close by, and the net of family and friends continues to hold as I leap daily with fears, yet faith.
The Bible says, “one day every knee shall bow” and mine don’t bend too well, so it’s time to be Exhibit A at Sunday School and Monday morning.
Clapping’s good.
Prayers, even better.
Thanks, Net.
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Thanks Jan,
I think I have been praying for your knee for years. I guess you have been waiting for medical sciences to catch up to your health needs and I think this strategy probably has worked. I will be praying for your health and healing and that the medical folks don’t learn anything really “special” while you are under the anesthetic!
Love from Dale and Marty
Thanks for years of praying, Dale. I’ve needed it for more than my knees! As for “special” revelations during the procedure, may God have mercy on the talker and the listeners.
Good luck on Tuesday! You will do great. We love you and will be praying for you’
It’s Monday, Lori, but I’m sure I can use prayer on Tuesday, as well. Thank you for your love. You’re one nice niece.
Love and prayers from the Windsor/Westrate clan in FL/VA/MA!
It auto-corrected Florence’s name! It’s Winsor, of course…
I’d know that name anywhere. Love to you, your family and special hugs to Florence.
Jan,
Wishing you a quick recovery. I’ll say a special prayer for you and the doctor tomorrow night.! Thinking of you,
Niffy
Thanks Niffy. Always fun to hear from you down in Nrth Carolina.
Praying for you, Jan. And I hear you regarding going into surgery without the love of your life at your side. I know that the One who loves you most of all will hold your hand through it all. Sending a hug.
I’m counting on that Hand, Ruth. Sending a hug back to you.
God bless you, Jan, on Tuesday, and every day after as you heal. Love and prayers from Bob and me. <3
The surgery’s Monday but a Tuesday blessing and “every day after as I heal” is a grand gift. Thanks, Sue.
Will be praying for you – promise!
Thank you, Helen. This is Net-working at its best.
I know “he” already wrote and included me, but I cannot NOT say something to my sweet friend! So glad you are going to get your knee fixed! It IS time! God be with you, dear Jan . . . He will! Praying ALL will go well with the surgery and with your recovery . . . no glitches or hitches! We are clapping for you, too, and feel privileged to be part of the long distance Net!
Love you, friend!
Knee surgery is never fun, but I know first-hand that it can make wonderful improvement. I pray it will be so for you, Jan. I’m in CA with son and family; sorry I’ll miss the lessons provided by Exhibit A. God bless you–
You shall have my prayers for safe, successful surgery, dear lady! Here’s to new knees!
May you have the very best of outcomes for your surgery. I’ll be thinking of you! xxoo
Will be thinking and praying for you as you have your knee surgery, Jan. Having had both my knees replaced in the last 3 years and having gone through those surgeries without my buddy and right hand man, Howie, I can feel your pain ( of both knee and heart). As Steven Curtis Chapman says in his song “The Glorious Unfolding” …”there’s so much of the story that’s still left to unfold”…
Here’s to a successful surgery, a quick and efficient recovery and more if our stories yet to unfold. I am available for encouragement over tea!
Blessings,
Renie Rich
Thanks, Renie. I appreciate your tender heart towards knees and hearts. You encourage me with your perseverance and courage under similar conditions. Counting on the prayers of the saints on high…which include Howie and Jud.
Hi Jan:
We have you covered for your surgery tomorrow. Glad to hear that you are also in the “grab bar age.” We too! Have them installed in the shower, bathroom entrance and in the door way leading to the garage. We and you are so blessed to have sons and son-in-laws wiling and able to install them where needed.
We are so proud of our Maggie and Kate for clapping for their grandma. Tell them that I miss their warm hugs on Sunday mornings.
Love and prayers,
Randy for the Mathews
How fun to hear from you. Miss you two at church and Sunday School. I’ll pass along your hugs to Maggie and Kate. There’s a big empty place in the pew where you and Alice usually sat. Grateful for grab bars and loving family to secure them.
Clapping from afar for you two!!
Praying for you, Jan! ❤️
Jan,
Today is my son Tim’s birthday. I was thinking of you because his very first (and too often told) joke was
What do you call a fish with two knees? A tu-knee fish.
Praying that you have two happy knees at the end of this.
Thank the Lord for your net.
Sharon
Hah! Happy birthday to, Tim. Thanks for a smile and your prayers for “two happy knees.”
Are you having knee replacement Jan? Praying for you!! So thankful for all your blessings you listed, and all those you didn’t list too!
Steve and I were asked to be on a marriage panel for our young interns at church. I asked if she wouldn’t really have some younger people who the interns could probably relate to better. She assured me they really wanted us since we were a “well seasoned couple” Such a nice way to say “old” 🙂
Total knee replacement. Bionic! They were wise on many counts to choose you and Steve.
Jan, we are all clapping for you. And we are watching carefully because some of us are right behind you and needing some help in knowing how to deal with this thing called aging. You are our role model. God grant us the mercy to do it with the same strength and joy that we see in you. I will pray for a special awareness of the presence of our gentle Lord with you tomorrow.
Thank you, dear Marcia. It does me good to see your smiling face at Church. We need each other in all stages of life…but especially as we age. You’ve got a long way to go!
Jan, we are all clapping for you. And we are watching carefully because some of us are right behind you and needing some help in knowing how to deal with this thing called aging. You are our role model. God grant us the mercy to do it with the same strength and joy that we see in you. I will pray for a special awareness of the presence of our gentle Lord with you tomorrow.
Dear Jan, I would give anything to sit with you and just talk. We would like to come and see you, but Paul has cancer and we don’t go very far from home. We will be praying for you. Glad Heather is coming and you have Chad. Love Eleanor
I’m sorry to read about Paul and understand your need to stay close to home. Thank you for reading, responding and praying, Eleanor. May Paul be blessed by the prayers of many and your tender care.
Jan, will be praying for your surgery and may your recovery be smooth and swift! Sending love and hugs too!