Just A Moment, Please

Psalm 30

This past weekend was a bit of a trying time for my wife and myself. A couple of weeks ago she was on a walk at the beach and fell. Nothing was broken, except maybe her pride, but she did get a couple of light abrasions, what we call "strawberries." We put some ointment and a bandage over the scrapes and within a few days all looked to be good.

Then, last Wednesday the scrape on her forearm seemed to be getting worse, so we put some antibiotic ointment and a bandage on it and things got worse. The scrape became infectious and doubled in size. We went to the emergency room on Friday, was given some antibiotics and a bandage, and was sent home.

By Sunday morning the infection had tripled in size, to about 6-inches long and 3-inches wide. The skin had bubbled and was starting to ooze from some of the bumps. She went back to the ER, was given some antibiotic intravenously, and was sent home with more antibiotics and a bandage. Last night the itch on her arm had become unbearable, we were afraid it was more than it seemed and took one more trip to the ER.

She did, in fact, have a terrible reaction to the ointment we used last week and, as we learned from the doctor last night, these ointments get deep into the tissue of our skin and can take a few days to clear. So, this time we were given some anti-itchy medicine, was sent home without bandages, and this morning I can say the worst of our worries are gone. The infection seems to have stopped spreading, the oozing isn't oozing, and the wound looks to be clearing up; but, we need to still be watchful.

This morning's passage is a good reminder that in time all will be understood, we just need to do our part and be persistent in gaining that understanding. In the lesson of my wife's and my weekend, we kept returning to the place that could give us answers until the answer felt right. In the case of your spirituality, the same can be said. Finding a community of people with whom to share your faith journey towards God, whoever that God may be for you, is not an easy one.

As children we are taught a certain way by our parents and leaders within society that shape us. But if those teachings don't feel right, don't conform for conformity's sake. In time, and with persistence, we will find the place we are comfortable, and that is the place we belong. Sometimes the search will bring personal conflicts and deeply felt pain, but in the end the rewards will be worth it. Like our Psalmist says, "Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Our morning is coming. Be patient, most of all be persistent.