CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Starting Line to Checkered Flag…

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Spending time with Him and spider bites….

In my April article, I wrote about letting God recharge, renew and restore us during the off season. Sometimes God has to remind me of my own messages. That’s what happened over the last two weeks.

I had been working 6 days a week for about 3 weeks straight. My time with Miss Betty is precious to me and yet “there was work I had to fin-

ish…”.

On this particular Saturday, Betty told me, “ you’re cutting off at noon and we’re going to the movies.”. I tried a few excuses but to no avail. Jurassic World here we come.

While at the movies, I noticed my left hand (dominant hand) was hurting slightly. No big deal, must have just bumped it somewhere. By Sunday night my hand looked like a baseball mitt and my arm, almost to the shoulder looked like a bright red tree branch. We went to the Doctor the next day and got antibiotics. On Tuesday, we returned. The Doctor met us in the waiting room and pointed to the hospital.

For the next 6 days, I was hooked up to IVs, stuck with needles more times than I could count and of course, awakened in the middle of the night by a friendly nurse or tech asking me, “Are you asleep???”

Now for those wondering, I am home and healing (still have a ways to go, but much better). During that time, something amazing happened. I had an ongoing conversation with Jesus, with Him doing much of the talking. He had to literally put me in bed to make me, “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving, look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” (Psalm 46:10).

I took that long look at Him. I found that “He refreshes my soul, He guides me along the right paths for his names’ sake.” (Psalm 23:3). Further He gave me a peace about not only the medical condition but future directions and concerns. “Peace I leave with you, my (Jesus’) peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

I am practicing what I preach. God has all of it handled if you just take the time to talk, listen and most of all trust HIM.

Blessings on and off the road,

Jim and Betty Edleston CMA