It’s been a loooong time since I’ve written, but I think I have a pretty good excuse. In early September, hurricane Florence threatened us in Newport News. Since we anticipated losing power, I vacated to the VA Medical Center in Richmond Virginia. Upon my return a few days later, Judy noticed that my right leg (and other body parts) were swollen. We immediately went to the emergency department at the VA hospital in Hampton. It seems that somehow I had broken the femur in my right leg. I was admitted to the hospital immediately; it was determined that I should remain hospitalized until my leg should heal. Other complications with my chronic problem of low sodium delayed my return to Richmond. Once there, I convalesced for 3 months. That’s a long time to be on your back and looking at the ceiling and or television!

Through some Church connections, the Lord provided a gracious lady in Richmond who shared her home with Judy whenever she needed it, usually 4 or 5 nights a week. They developed a close friendship and were a great encouragement to one another. This enabled Judy to devote more time to my care. What a blessing she is! In addition to ministering to me, she (along with my daughter Sarah) had to keep the home fires burning! Superwoman!

For much of the time, I was very sick and unable to access my computer. You can imagine the mass of emails waiting for me! When I was finally able to use my computer, my 4-man room was far too noisy to permit dictation. Thus, I couldn’t answer emails unless there was a prompt by my software. Writing anything was out of the question. So now you know why I didn’t write!

As my three-month confinement was coming to an end, I became increasingly excited about returning home. I pestered the primary care doctor for appointments with specialists and requested x-rays; I was really excited about my return home. My anticipation grew stronger each day!
One sleepless night (I had many – far too many) as I lay pondering the petition, “your kingdom come…” in the Lord’s Prayer, it occurred to me that my anticipation for the coming of Christ’s kingdom in its fullness paled in comparison to my desire to return home. Upon a little more reflection, I realized that I was choosing to focus on something which is relatively “good” while having almost no regard for the highest good! It’s so easy for me to be consumed by my present situation and lose track of the big picture that this world is passing away. Jesus has promised a much better – perfect future for us in his glorious kingdom.

I’ve heard the saying, “he’s so heavenly minded that he’s of no earthly good.” I suppose that it might be possible for one to “have his head in the clouds” at the expense of practical realities. But most people I know, especially me, ignore the benefits and wonders that are awaiting God’s people, while absorbed in everyday issues.

God has called us to live in the realities of this present world and to keep his big picture in focus. Jesus promised a better world. Paul wished to depart from this world and to be face-to-face with his Savior, yet remained for the benefit of the church. The New Testament repeatedly reminds us of a great future, while instructing us about life in the here and now. In fact, Jesus gave specific instructions about what to do in the meantime: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Lord, help me to be more enthused and excited about my future while living responsibly now. Help me to long for the kingdom of heaven while I spread the good news of that kingdom.