Thanks

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  — 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So, here I am at St. Francis Women’s Hospital in Greenville, SC.  I realize tomorrow is Wednesday, and I have probably 20 WMD’s on my computer at home ready to go…but, they are at home…not here.  I can either write and say “sorry, no WMD today,” or I can write one as my wife crashes again after another dose of morphine.  I asked the Lord what He wanted me to write about.  I opened my Bible and read this verse.  It almost seems impossible to do those 3 things, I mean ALWAYS having joy?  Praying CONTINUALLY?  Giving thanks in ALL circumstances?  They are impossible until you read the last 3 words…in Christ Jesus.

Today, my wife had surgery.  I have been with her during a few surgeries now…along with a couple of babies being delivered.  Every time, I was worried to death.  In fact, I have learned that MINOR surgery is when surgery is being done on other people and their families.  MAJOR surgery is when surgery is being done on me or someone in my family.  Every time I have had a high level of freaking out and worrying.  I mean, what if I lost her?  What if she never woke up?  What would I do if I lost my best friend?  What would I do if Caroline and J’man lost their mommy?  It has happened to LOTS of people and their family, so honestly, who am I for it NOT to happen to me?  I am great at freaking out, and great at making it look to everybody else like I’m not.  Fortunately, for me, today was different.

I have been totally relaxed today.  I have been joyful, had an almost constant communication with the Lord, and given Him lots and lots of thanks…which is exactly what I want to do today.

I am so thankful for doctors and modern technology.  Tonya has been in pretty bad pain ever since my little man was born.  I have prayed to the Lord and asked Him often to heal her.  I honestly believe that today, through doctors, nurses, and modern technology, He has done just that!

I am thankful for an awesome sister-in-law.  Being an only child, I never had a brother or sister.  However, today, my sis-in-law came down, sat with me, and all we did was trade awesome stories about what the Lord has done in our lives and just how awesome He is.  The hour and a half of surgery flew by.  Instead of being filled with worry, I was filled with even more of His Spirit.

I am thankful for an awesome set of parents.  My mom and dad are doing all of our parent duties for our two wonderful kids while we are here.  Believe me…it’s not an easy job!  But, they are doing their best and adjusting their schedules and routines just to make our two kids as comfortable and in their normal routine as possible.

I guess with Thanksgiving coming up, what could I possibly be more thankful for than the Lord, Jesus Christ.  I can’t believe He saved a 16 year old teenager at Stamp Creek Landing in Salem, South Carolina.  He allowed that teenager to ignore Him, take Him for granted, never read His Word, use Him, and become self-righteous even though he had absolutely NO reason to be that way.  But, He also forgave him when he came to his senses and realized all that.  He has allowed him to grow in Him and fills him up with new righteousness and new mercy every single day.   Where in the world would I be without Him?  I don’t even want to think about it.  Whatever happens…He really does have it all in control, and for that Lord…

Thanks

Later

Adam