With hurricane season upon us, I was reminded of a news report I saw during the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Wildlife experts had rescued several bottlenose dolphins which had been swept from their aquarium home into the Gulf of Mexico by the storm. Rescuers had diligently searched for these dolphins as they were unable to forage for themselves in the open sea. What I found amazing about the recovery of these dolphins is that they were found TOGETHER. Experts believed this is how they were able to survive their time in the waters of the Gulf. I guess you could say these dolphins “porpoised” to stay together!
The experience of these dolphins reminds me of a passage from an Old Testament book. The book was written by one of the wisest men to have ever lived: King Solomon. Solomon was the third king to rule over the ancient kingdom of Israel. In the book of Ecclesiastes (his life journal), Solomon wrote the following concerning the power of community:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
In the church I have been privileged to pastor almost 29 years now, (Grace Church at Willow Valley) we believe in the power of community. God never intended His people to go solo in their walk with Him (solo might be fine for a guy named Han ... but not for people called Christians). Therefore we provide opportunities for one and all to get into community via home-based small groups (we call them Life Groups as the goal of these groups is to do life together), Adult Bible Fellowships, Bible studies for both men and women, etc. If you are not experiencing biblical community, I invite you to come and get involved. We’ll leave the porch light on for you and the door open!
Health update: I had my ureteral stent removed yesterday afternoon! Yea! I did experience some pain last evening, but by midnight or so it had, for the most part subsided. My urologist told me that he and his colleagues are still discussing my case. He even called a urologist under whom he studied while doing a medical fellowship. I asked him if I might make some medical journal (gotta be some royalties to be had, yes?). He smiled and then outlined where I go from here. At the end of July I will be seeing a nephrologist (kidney specialist). Then in early September I will have an ultrasound of my kidneys with a followup with him. I am thankful for the wonderful medical care I have received from my urologist, my primary care physician, and so many others (including my wife - she's been a great nurse!). But most of all I am grateful to my great God and savior, Jesus Christ! Knowing that I am ultimately in HIS hands brings me the greatest comfort of all!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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