November 29, 2012

It finally happened. . .with all the stress of the last week, my body succumbed to either a cold or a sinus infection.  The last two days have had me with droopy, achy eyes, a runny nose,  a dry cough, and an achy body. . .but this pales in comparison to what we could have been dealing with due to Ernie's accident.

He is home now, and we ventured to Los Angeles yet again to have his bandages removed.  The skin grafts took and now we just hydrate with vitamin E, and keep clipping off the skin as it lifts.  He still can't drive or lift heavy objects or apply too much pressure to his hands, but he is definitely on the mend! Praise be to God!

I was struck with a thought about community as we drove home from the hospital today.  As much as I am trying to become more a part of our church community, the truth of the matter is: our church is big--so big in fact that not many people probably know about Ernie's accident nor his injuries.  Probably none know how exhausting the daily commute was.  Nor do they know how my kids were bounced from grandparents to friends as I trekked out to see my husband on a daily basis.  To be fair, I didn't call anybody at our church.  I mean, really, I don't even know who you would call--I show up to teach my class on Wednesday nights and church on Sunday morning--there's not a whole lot of "community building" in between.  Do I fault my church?  Do I fault myself?  Shoulder shrug.  I simply don't know.

Then there is our school community.  The places where two of our children go to school, a community we have belonged to now for five years.  It has been a community in the making as well. Contributing to this community didn't come naturally to me--but luckily a year ago, the PTA president asked for my help with something and I accepted which led to other opportunities to help and serve.  Since then, both Ernie and I have joined the school's technology committee to help ensure our kids have access to what other schools in the district have.  It has been a blessing to get to know the parents of the children who attend school with our children.

Fast forward to the accident. . .when I finally had my wits about me to write and share the miracle we had experienced, one mom took that as an opportunity to organize and bless us with nightly meals.  These women and men who have stepped up to bless us have been lifesavers.  After the second night of meals the seven year old said, "Mom, why are they bringing us food?  YOUR hands aren't hurt."  Astute observation, too true.  But someone understood the daily commute, the stress, the disorder that felt like our life and did something about it.  We are all extremely grateful for that.

What it has done for me specifically, is open my eyes to the fact that my "community" is wherever Jesus is in action. Any time we have the opportunity to serve and shine Jesus' light, even if it seems insignificant.  Do it.  Purpose to lend a hand when you can.  A trip to the grocery store, walking a kid to school, a meal, babysitting, making a cake, stopping by, it doesn't matter what you do. JUST DO SOMETHING.

The only way to build community is by loving in action.  Love like Jesus did.  Serve like Jesus did.  Pray like Jesus did. . .and do it all in gratitude for the blessings he has bestowed in your own life.  Be His hands and feet.  Do something.  Anything.  Serve.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit.  serve the Lord."--Romans 12:10-11