The last time the four of us were together, I was in
critical care and had no clue of the rollercoaster emotional ride that my three
sons, as well as my beloved wife, had been going through.
Following my initial lung surgery to remove the cancerous right lower lobe, instead of going home in 3 or 4 days, I was rushed to emergency surgery early on the third day to stop excessive bleeding. Later that day I was rushed back to surgery for a third time because the bleeding was still severe.
As if that trauma were not enough, over the next eight or so days my condition would improve slowly only to be jolted by more major setbacks. These included such critical issues as: flash edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), oxygen deprivation, drug allergy, atrial fibrillation and pneumonia. Any one of these alone had the potential to become fatal or cause significant permanent damage.
As hard as this experience was for my family to endure, the Lord used it for our good. It brought about a deeper bonding among us all as we realized the importance of appreciating each other now and seeking to make the most of our infrequent opportunities to be together. In addition, we experienced the outpouring of love that He prompted from so many people, including a number of you who read this blog. Above all, we grew in our faith and our belief in the power of prayer.
The fact that I am here to give testimony to all this is part of the miracle of God’s grace and faithfulness. In His timing, He has now given the opportunity not only for our three sons but their families as well to be together with us for a short time.
Following my initial lung surgery to remove the cancerous right lower lobe, instead of going home in 3 or 4 days, I was rushed to emergency surgery early on the third day to stop excessive bleeding. Later that day I was rushed back to surgery for a third time because the bleeding was still severe.
As if that trauma were not enough, over the next eight or so days my condition would improve slowly only to be jolted by more major setbacks. These included such critical issues as: flash edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), oxygen deprivation, drug allergy, atrial fibrillation and pneumonia. Any one of these alone had the potential to become fatal or cause significant permanent damage.
As hard as this experience was for my family to endure, the Lord used it for our good. It brought about a deeper bonding among us all as we realized the importance of appreciating each other now and seeking to make the most of our infrequent opportunities to be together. In addition, we experienced the outpouring of love that He prompted from so many people, including a number of you who read this blog. Above all, we grew in our faith and our belief in the power of prayer.
The fact that I am here to give testimony to all this is part of the miracle of God’s grace and faithfulness. In His timing, He has now given the opportunity not only for our three sons but their families as well to be together with us for a short time.
Thanks to my sons’ initiative, we have just spent a
two-day retreat together – we four men – simply hanging out in a relaxed
environment, playing some games, sharing stories about my childhood and early
work years that they never knew, learning about our heritage, talking about
issues they are currently facing, doing a Bible study and praying together. It was a meaningful time for which I will
always be grateful and hopeful, as well, that we may have other opportunities
to come together again. I’m also
grateful for each of our wives who agreed to and supported us in this special
event.
I realize that not every family is so blessed to have that kind of loving concern and unity. I can only say it’s all the Lord’s doing and the work of His unfathomable grace, and grace alone. But my earnest prayer is that you will be encouraged to plan a special time away from the everyday activities of life to be with your adult family members for a couple of days (especially the men as the spiritual leaders) just to get closer and appreciate each other, to share stories of your successes and your failures, to share your burdens and have fun doing it. Don’t wait for some trauma to bring you together, but even if it does, know that the Lord is able to use even that to work for your good.
To God be the glory!
The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. Prov. 23:24
I realize that not every family is so blessed to have that kind of loving concern and unity. I can only say it’s all the Lord’s doing and the work of His unfathomable grace, and grace alone. But my earnest prayer is that you will be encouraged to plan a special time away from the everyday activities of life to be with your adult family members for a couple of days (especially the men as the spiritual leaders) just to get closer and appreciate each other, to share stories of your successes and your failures, to share your burdens and have fun doing it. Don’t wait for some trauma to bring you together, but even if it does, know that the Lord is able to use even that to work for your good.
To God be the glory!
The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. Prov. 23:24
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