November 26, 2020
Dear Grandchildren,
A big congratulations to Steven and Karly for their new baby girl, Molly Jean, and Nick and Rachel for their new baby girl, Lila Lorraine. Both babies and families are doing well.
I’m a little late on my November letter because I had a triple hernia surgery last month, and I’m still recovering. I was in the hospital for twenty-five hours on Friday, November the 20th and because of the virus, I was there all by myself. Before I tell you about my twenty-five hour experience, I need to share another story that will help you relate to my story in the hospital.
Coach Jerry LaJoie is Gaylord’s wrestling coach, and his record is unbelievable. He’s topped 700 career wins, won the League Championship eight or nine times. He’s been to state several times and last year was #2 in his division. I called Coach and congratulated him again on an outstanding season. I asked him, “How do you get your kids to drink your Kool Aid each year? He said kids aren’t dumb, and you have to be honest and straight about them making a 100% commitment to the program if they want to succeed as a winner. It sure is working for Coach LaJoie at Gaylord High School.
Getting back to my twenty-five hours in the hospital, I started the day at 9:00 a.m. and the surgery was around 1:00 p.m. I returned to my room around 4:00 and dozed off and on throughout the evening. At about 2:00 a.m., I was wide awake, so I started thanking the Lord for my operation, the doctors, and the nurses, it was a great time.
In the middle of praising the Lord, he asked me a question: “Why don’t you spend more time drinking my Kool Aid? There was no condemnation, but I knew what he was saying. I can watch Fox News for two hours, watch a sporting event for three hours, or a movie for two hours. What kind of time am I giving My Lord during the day, week, and month?
Now forgive me if you’re offended, thinking the Lord talked to me. Just consider it as, I was talking to myself if that makes you feel better. I told the Lord, “I’m concerned for America and where we are headed as a country.”
Then the Lord said, “I love the people in every country and want them to understand that my Son came to the world that he helped create to save them from their sin.” Then He said, “Many people believe in my Son, and say they love my Son, but they don’t trust Him. They don’t trust Him with their lives, their families, or their money. They’re merely fans of my Son like sports fans. They only think about Him on Sunday mornings if they attend church.”
Then the Lord asked me a tough question: “If the election would’ve turned out as you had voted, would you have more peace, more love, or more joy? My answer was, “No”, because the world can’t give you true peace, true love, or true joy.
God said, “My Son is the way, the truth, and the life for every believer who trusts Him with their heart and lives.”
I cried out to the Lord, “You’re so right. We get so keyed up about this or that, we forget to trust you in all things.” I knew I needed to do a better job with starting the day with my Lord and allowing Him to be my life.
I thought He was done, but He added, “I could’ve healed you this summer, but I think we needed to have this little talk.”
I agreed!
Then I was reminded what Jesus said to His disciples the Thursday evening before He was crucified. He said in
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7 ESV:
I had no doubt that the Holy Spirit was doing the teaching that night.
So there you have it. It was a painful twenty-five hours, but one that I shall never forget. I know my relationship with Jesus can improve, and it’s up to me to make the first effort. He’s always available! I will ask him, “What’s up today, Lord?”
Always remember, I love you,
Grandpa
P.S. On the Monday after my surgery, my son Tom was in an accident that totaled his truck. He was headed south on I-75 going about 65 m.p.h., and just passed a semi. Then Tom hit black ice and immediately, his truck went backwards in front of the semi. The semi hit Tom’s truck and pushed him off the highway. Tom’s truck hit an embankment, flew up in the air, and landed on the passenger side. Tom got out of the truck on his own with no bruises or stiffness. Tom said it all happened in seconds, but the experience was like, “This is your life, Tom!” We all agreed that Tom has more life to live, and we praise the Lord!
Featured Image by scartmyart from Pixabay