Do the Math - It Can Only Get Better

 

I am running into people crepe-hanging, a cool name for draping everything in black for a funeral. There is even a misspelled song about that term, similar to the bush that is called crepe-myrtle or crape-myrtle. You can see where this is going, so laugh a little and let me continue.

My mother would not let us get grumpy or weepy about anything, and she always insisted on making us smile or laugh, using her big smile to stop the tears or pouty looks.

In a recent Luther sermon, he emphasized that our only job is to work, and that God takes over the anxiety and worry for us. No matter what we think, imagine, or fear - no one can predict the future - except God.

Bethany and Ida loved each other so much.

I remember the time when our youngest, Erin Joy, was on the way. Despite what the experts at the Cleveland Clinic said, we were worried about Bethany Joan Marie having the same mysterious, weakening disorder as Bethany. I prayed daily that it would not happen, especially the Clinic said it was extremely unlikely. But then I began adding this petition - "Whatever happens, help me be a good pastor, husband, and father."

Bethany was propped up because she could not sit up. That bit of strength left her early.

There was almost no help and expenses were very high. Bethany and Erin Joy became two bright lights of love and happiness, their IQ and eyesight equally awesome. Speaking ability - no. Smiling, laughing, and catching on to every joke - a delight for everyone. It is impossible to enter the shadow world of disability and not be changed by it. 

Erin Joy had the same loss of strength as Bethany, but also the same beautiful smiles and laughter. Many cruel things were said about them, and most relatives shunned them. That was their loss.

Now we have a nation with no President. He resigned, but that did not make anyone take his place. Uncertainty abounds, so the best we can do is to pursue our labor and let God do the worrying, planning, and anxious months ahead. 

My only job was to sit in an apple tree and eat a donut.