Catherine Love~ Ramblings from my Heart and Home

When I glanced at the screen and noted the number- the local
hospital, my heart sank.  Not pausing to think the worst, I answered.

Husbands voice, which in itself was a relief, "I just called to let
you know I'm OK; but I'm at the E.R."...

I caught my breath and waited for the news. A trip to the E. R.
means someone isn't OK...and it was him...

"Working 20 feet up in a lift, grinder with a cutting wheel, blade broke, throwing grinder into face, both lips cut, not sure how badly, waiting for the doctor now."

As I hung up the phone and sank into a chair, floods of gratitude filled
my heart.  Yes, he is injured, needs stitches, and will have quite a
scar to show for this injury.

Yes, he will undoubtedly miss a few days much needed work. 

But, those things are so, so minor compared to what could have happened up there in that lift.  Just a few inches higher and it could have meant losing his sight, a few inches lower and perhaps he would have lost his life.

I sat for a few moments and gave thanks for the grace he was shown this morning.  The Grace that his family also received. 

I went out and tried to relay the news to children without alarming them.
"Daddy was injured at work, and has to have stitches in his mouth. 
He will be home soon." 

Later the second call came, "Stitches in both upper and lower lip, lower lip
lacerated all the way through to the gum.  Waiting for prescriptions and will
be home soon."

After lunch, we settled down to focus on our lessons, and were just beginning the first chapter of The Treasure Seekers when Dad came in the door. 
Holding his release papers from the hospital over the lower half of his face,
he stood there for a minute.  I asked if he was going to let us see, and he did.

Still bleeding slightly from the injury, the cleaning out, and the stitching up;
swollen and very painful do his mouth and chin look. 
There will definitely be scars, but healing will come, and once again
those lips will share the grace and the good news of
the gospel with those he works alongside. 

In times like these, I am oh, so tempted to ask "Why?". 

"Why can't he have an easier, less dangerous job?" 

"Why did he complete his ministry training, to not even be on staff in church now? 

"Why not a pastoral role, something safe?" 

But, as quickly as those thought come, I know why...

Because he is indeed a light shining in the darkness.  And he
does at every opportunity share the good news with those who
so desperately need something good.  He has earned the right to be heard by working alongside those who also have a difficult job, who get injured, who suffer when they miss a day's work; those who need the Light in him to show them the way out of darkness. 

Though this life seems very difficult at times, and I cringe at the sound of the phone ringing in moments like this morning;
the Grace to see us through, the Grace that sees all, that protects, that heals... the Grace of God is with us.

Grateful for the Grace,

C