Randy got to go to church today! First time in 4 1/2 months. It was beautiful.
Randy has always been a man of faith and of quiet example of what he believes that God has said is right. Not much of a talker, but very much a doer. He’s dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and His kingdom for over 30 years.
In addition, he’s a man’s man. Someone who is fiercely independent, strong and capable of accomplishing anything he puts his mind to. If he wants something that’s out of reach, he just works harder and longer until he gets it. Every time.
Interruption: Heart attack, and diffuse brain injury. I watched the whole story unfold, minute by minute, and have to witness that I’ve seen the hand of God more times that I can count. Is this painful? Yes! Fair? I can’t be certain, but it doesn’t quite seem so. But I KNOW that God intervened for us, and has been attending to us and leading us by the hand all along the way. Fast forward a few months.
Now, Randy knows what happened. I’ve seen in moments of despair, Randy sob with sorrow for all he’s lost. He has no control over his body. Every minute of every day, his muscles fight against him in constant spasms. He’s consigned to a chair, he needs a strap to hold up his head. He needs help to eat, use the restroom and clean himself. Since Randy’s speech is no where near normal, he’s hard to understand. And when we talk about God, which is often, I can’t get a clear idea where he stands in his testimony of God, and the power of Jesus Christ, at the current moment. And I worry.
I would imagine that a natural response to having something this catastrophic happen, would be to wonder where God was, and why He didn’t spare us from the loss. It’s hard to understand why bad things happen, if we’ve put our trust in a loving God. I’ve seen Randy emotionally crushed, and have to wonder if he’s wondering these same things.
My personal conviction is that these huge trials in life are not a punishment, or an oversight by Heavenly Father. They are a sacred trust, to be given such an opportunity to grow and have our character refined, if we will turn our hearts toward God and let him tutor us during these times. I’ve shared these thoughts of my heart with Randy, on multiple occasions, but haven’t been certain how he felt about it all.
Well, today I got some answers!
I looked online to figure out which congregation we would meet at, based on where we live. I reached out to the bishop (ecclesiastical leader like a pastor) to make sure I had the time right, since this is the first Sunday of the new year and schedules can change. I headed out early, because I’ve learned it takes an extra half hour to load unload Randy and his wheelchair. We arrived a few minutes early and were greeted by many people who were so kind and welcoming to both of us. I was touched that many of them leaned down and looked Randy right in the eyes; talking directly to him. It’s an odd phenomena, but I’m finding that many just assume because someone’s in a wheelchair, that they aren’t capable of communication. I never noticed that until my sweet husband was the one sitting in the chair.
As the service started, Kimber opened a hymnal and put it right in front of Randy on his lap table. She pointed to the words as we sang, and to my surprise Randy started singing along! We partook of the Lord’s supper (we call it the Sacrament) together, as I offered the bread and water to Randy’s lips, and he took it.
During the sermon portion of our worship service, on the first Sunday of each month we have what’s called testimony meeting. Instead of having pre-assigned speakers to deliver a message on Christ and His teachings, anyone who feels spiritually prompted can choose to share their own divine witness of the reality of God and his love for us. It was a beautiful spirit filled meeting, and Randy cried several times as members of the congregation got up and shared their testimonies that we are loved, that God is kind and good, and that he watches over us. Several others shared their experience that terrible trials have turned out to be a blessing to them and their families. I could feel as Randy sobbed, that his broken heart is beginning to heal. I am certain that he felt God’s love for him personally, in that room today. I’m so thankful for the experience; for him and for me. I’m at peace.
Afterwards, several people offered to help me get Randy into the van. We were invited to someone’s house for dinner this week, who told us they also have a handicap ramp in the house they are renting. What a kind and genuine group of people! I’m so thankful the Lord placed us here in this part of His vineyard, while we wait for Randy’s healing.
Praise be to God for his beautiful Sabbath, which today, was a delight! Blessings to you, and happy Sunday, y’all!
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