Wait ... Wait ... Wait

        "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31.  Those are the words that I read every morning when I get out of bed.  They are on a plaque  that is hanging on our wall.  It is a plaque that we gave to my father many years ago.

         Waiting is a part of each of our lives and often it creates frustration for us.  Friday morning I had two stops to make which I thought together would take just an hour.  But it took me almost three hours to complete them.  First I had a doctor's appointment - his first of the day.  I arrived at the time they requested only to find the office had not yet opened.  When it finally opened I had to wait until they were able to check me in.  When the preliminaries were al completed I had to wait about 25 minutes more for the doctor to arrive.  Then I had to wait in a long line to get checked out.  Next I went to get our car washed and I waited in line because there was a lengthy problem with four out of state cars in front of me.  Then I had to wait in line for the wash because two "priority" customers were allowed to get in line ahead of me.  Finally I got to the place where the interior was to be cleaned to find that they only had two workers there and I was fourth in line. Oh yes, on the way home I had to wait for road construction. Wait, wait, wait.

          Now waiting takes different forms at different times in our lives.  When we are kids we can't wait for our birthday or for Christmas or a trip to Disney.  As we get older we can't wait until we can drive or graduate from high school.  I remember that when I first went away to college I waited to see my family once again.  When we were separated I waited to see my future wife again and the time seemed to pass so slowly.

          Sometimes as adults we wait for minor things - a traffic light to change, a line at the grocery store, an appointment, a return phone call, the start of a game, a visit by a friend, or some important mail.  Wait, wait, wait.

          But as we get older, waiting can often be very stressful and difficult.  We wait to see if we get hired.  Then we may wait to get our annual evaluations and see if we still have a job.  We might wait to get a mortgage approved.  We might wait for the birth of a child.  We might wait for the diagnosis of a health problem and key tests to come back.  We might wait as a loved one goes through surgery.  There are just so many situations where we wait and we wait and we wait ..

          Sometimes we wish that we could be an eagle and fly above the things making us wait. And at times we try to run and we do get weary.  It is so easy to become impatient, especially when God doesn't seem to hear or answer our prayers.  But He is there and we need to trust Him and wait upon Him.  For He knows our ways and our future and He is a loving Father who will work His plan for our lives.

         In May of this year I saw a neurosurgeon about my back, my balance and my headaches.  A series of tests showed that I needed a second round of cervical spine and lumbar spine surgeries.  So we began the lengthy process of pre-op procedures and finally in September a date was set for the first surgery, a cervical spine surgery.  But as that date approached my wife had two stays in the hospital.  Since I would not be able to drive for at least a month nor lift more than five pounds for a few months, it was imperative that she was string enough to care for me.

         So we rescheduled the surgery and set a second date.  As we waited for that date she ended up in the hospital again and we were forced to reschedule once again.  The third date was set for October 30.  Then I developed some new problems and needed more testing.  The tests were completed on a Friday and I waited and waited and waited for the results.  They finally arrived Wednesday night and I was cleared for surgery.  Then it was more  waiting - for October 30.

          Hopefully the waiting will be over when I enter the hospital on October 30.  I enter at 5:30 am for the 3 to 4 hour surgery scheduled to begin at 7:30.  If all goes well I should be out of the recovery room by 1 pm.  Please pray that it will go smoothly.  Pray for my wife as she waits for the results.  Then long term, please pray that we can find somebody to handle our snow removal this winter since neither of us will be allowed to do it.  And so far we have had zero success in finding anybody, even professionals who are already booked.  This is a major need. and I pray that we have the patience to wait and see how God works this out.

          We are waiting on the Lord and trusting His promise to  renew our strength; to help us to mount up with wings as eagles; to run and not be weary; and to walk and not faint."

1.     In His time, In His time,

He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Lord please show me every day

As You're teaching me Your way

That You do just what You say 

In Your time.

2.   In Your time, in Your time,

You make all things beautiful in Your time.

Lord my life to You I bring 

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing 

In Your time.

Lessons To Be Learned

          You've probably seen some of the many lists that people have made which begin with "Everything I Needed To Know About Life I Learned From .....".  This phrase is completed with a particular Item, such as "Kindergarten".  Then the author goes on to list some clever and sometimes humorous items.
          Now I realize that these are created in jest and I hope they aren't taken too seriously.  For what I needed to know about life I learned through the Bible, through the lives of my parents, my grandparents and many of my relatives.  I also learned through good teaching and preaching, through good role models and through spending time with the Lord in meditation and prayer.  And I would never want to minimize these by sharing one of these lists.
         Now I share all of that because somebody recently gave me a list which ended in ... from a jigsaw puzzle.  Now this person knew that my wife and I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles.  We almost always have one going in our family room.  It is a hobby that we share together and have done so for many years.  And we both do them differently.  My wife is good at matching colors and I am not.  I am good at matching shapes and finding things from the puzzle picture.  We make a good team.
         But a Jacquie Sewell compiled a list of principles that can be learned if you are patient enough to put puzzles together.
1.   Don't force a fit  If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally. 
2.   When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return. 
3.   Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration. 
4.   Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece. 
5.   When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).
6.   The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook. Refer to the Creator's guidebook often. 
7.   Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting. 
8.   Working together with friends and family makes any task fun. 
9.   Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order. 
10.   Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising. 
11.   Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones). 
12.   Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed. 
13.   When you finally reach the last piece, don't be sad. Rejoice in the masterpiece you've made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
          So there you are.  If you are looking for a good hobby, take up putting jigsaw puzzles together.  I highly recommend it and will be glad to share some with you   But here is a better way to learn the real lessons of life.

Teach me Thy way, O Lord,

  Teach me Thy way;

Thy gracious aid afford,

  Teach me Thy way.

Help me to walk aright;

More by faith, less by sight;

Lead me with heav’nly light,

  Teach me Thy way.

When doubts and fears arise,

  Teach me Thy way;

When storms o’erspread the skies,

  Teach me Thy way.

Shine through the cloud and rain,

Through sorrow, toil, and pain;

Make Thou my pathway plain,

  Teach me Thy way.

Long as my life shall last,

  Teach me Thy way;

Where’er my lot be cast,

  Teach me Thy way.

Until the race is run,

Until the journey’s done,

Until the crown is won,

  Teach me Thy way.

Robo Calls

          It was Thursday morning and I was at my twice a week visit to Pulmonary Rehab.  Dianne did not drive me there this time but stayed at home because she was not feeling well after her recent surgery and six day stay in the hospital.  I was carrying my cell phone just in case she got worse at home and needed my help.

          I was halfway through my work on the treadmill and had just reached my maximum speed for this session when my cell phone rang.  I did not recognize the caller but I was able to quickly pause the treadmill and answer it.  While I caught my breath the caller told me that she could reduce my credit card rate!

         For years we have gotten these annoying calls on our landline, but this was the second in three days that we received on our cell phone.  And we have to pay for these disgusting calls.  So very sad and irritating!  I don't know how they've now found our cell phone number because we seldom use it and never give it out to those we don't know.

          It appears that all one can really do about these calls is to just hang up.  Recently I have begun to try a new tactic.  If the caller is live, I tell them that I don't intend to buy but as a courtesy I will listen to their pitch if they then agree to listen to me for five minutes as I share with them the greatest gift that they can receive.  So far all that this has produced is hang-ups.  But you never know.

          I'm also considering another approach, asking for their name, and then beginning to pray for them, asking the Lord to speak to their needs and give them a more respectable job.  But I know that this won't get me anywhere either.

          I have sometimes enjoyed leading on the ones who call to tell me that they have found a problem with my Windows software.  After they get to the point that they want me to allow them to have access to my computer I then ask them what I do since I don't have Windows and am a Mac user.  They then hang up.

          Probably the best reply that I have made came completely accidentally.  The caller promised me better electric rates.  I replied that I am Amish and we don't have electricity.  The caller apologized and hung up.

          Two other recent calls were supposed to be from our grandchildren.  The first had drunk too much and needed money to get out of trouble.  On the most recent call my wife replied that the caller didn't sound like our grandson.  The caller immediately hung up.  Unfortunately we have heard of folks who have replied and sent money.

          Sadly we've heard too many stories about those who have lost large amounts of money to these scams.  I guess many seniors are vulnerable to these calls.

         I'm not sure what else can be done about them.  But remember there is never a "free lunch" and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

1.     Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    

 2.     Brightly doth His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine;

While He leads I cannot fall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

  3.     Singing if my way is clear,

Praying if the path be drear;

If in danger for Him call;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

   

  4.     Trusting Him while life shall last,

Trusting Him till earth be past;

Till within the jasper wall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Memories

Note:  This blog was to actually been posted on September 7, but due to a technical problem it was not displayed.  So it is being posted again, a month later.

          September 11, 2001 ... that famous date brings back so many memories to almost all of us each year when we hit September 11. People remember where they were and recall the terrible images.  And like others once many memories again came back to me this week
          On that unforgettable day, 17 years ago, I was in my classroom during a block one prep period.  When I had completed my prep for block two I decided to turn on the large television mounted in the room to catch up on the news.  A few minutes later I was stunned to see the first plane plow into the towers.  Like most, I thought it was a horrendous accident.  But minutes later when the second plane hit the towers, it became dreadfully obvious that this was an act of terrorism against the United States.
          The television remained on for my block two and block three classes as my students joined me in quietly watching all the stunning developments.  Nobody was the least  bit interested in learning any math that day and I certainly didn't want to teach.  It reminded me of the day I was teaching many years ago when we received word that President Kennedy had been killed.  Those are days and events one never forgets.
           Another set of memories developed for me the following day when I learned more details about the crash of Flight 93.  It turns out that the rebellion by the passengers was led by Todd Beamer.  While I never met Todd, he was married to Lisa Brosious, the daughter of Paul, one of my very best friends.  Lisa had actually visited in our home with her parents while she was growing up.
          This crash was the second major tragedy in her life.  Years before, in October of 1984, her father dropped over with a sudden major heart attack.  Ironically, through his death  he met the Creator of the universe.  At the very same moment he entered heaven I had the honor of shaking hands with the most powerful person on earth, President Ronald Reagan, on the White House Lawn.  That day he honored me with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics.  I was one of 50 from throughout the country to receive this award.  The memories of that day and those two contrasting events are memories I shall never forget.

          But recalling the death of my close friend, Paul, brings back another set of memories of our times together.  I met him in 1959 when, as a freshman at Susquehanna University, I attended a church in Sunbury where Paul attended.  Although he was a few years older than I was, we quickly became friends.  We especially enjoyed singing in a young man's quartet, singing in the choir, going to quartet concerts and playing touch football whenever we could.
          When I met Paul he was working as an engineer for a local radio station.  After spending time with our college friends and with me he began to wish that he had gone to college.  But he had taken the general courses in high school and needed work to meet college entrance requirements.  One of the things he needed was trig.  He asked me to tutor him and I did.  It was the easiest tutoring job that I ever had. He was so bright that he quickly breezed through an entire trig course.
          Paul was accepted at Bloomsburg. After quickly earning a degree there he went to Bucknell for his masters.  Again, he quickly earned his degree there and moved on to Penn State where he earned his doctorate.  He was one of the most intelligent and motivated students that I have ever worked with.  Then he was hired by IBM where he was very successful in research, especially with miniaturization of computers.  IBM sent him to Europe to present his work to researchers there.  Nothing about his success surprised me.
          Unfortunately, his brothers had a history of early death from heart attacks.  And Paul was not an exception to this tragic history.  And on that October day the Lord called him home, leaving his wife and several children.  A very sad memory for so many.
          So it is interesting how sometimes one memory can lead to many more - some good, some not so good - but all part of God's plan.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

To guide the future, as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.