Well, Happy Birthday to me from all those attending me at the E.R! (1/2023) Due to circumstances beyond my control, this obnoxious little thing called a gall bladder decided to totally disrupt my day! Unexpected and definitely not invited! What I thought was a 24hr stomach virus, ended up being a gall stone passing through the bile duct, my liver enzymes were elevated and surgery was suggested as soon as possible. Okay then. I have coddled this thing for way to long, being conscious to avoid foods that upset it, giving up foods I enjoyed etc etc. It’s time to let it go! (cue that tune that drives us all crazy!) Surgery is scheduled in eight days. This little interloper will be evicted from the space it has so graciously been allowed to rent all these years! Years, people!!
As I showered Tuesday night with the antibacterial solution, I thought of John 2. Thinking about the jars of water in that passage, ones used for ceremonial cleansing, each holding 20-30 gallons of water. Being directed to fill the jars with water, servants filled them to the brim! Then they were told to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. This was all taking place at a wedding reception. Not knowing where this wine had come from the master of the banquet called the bridegroom over and congratulated him on saving his choicest wine till last! Jesus had turned the water in those filled-to-the-brim jars into the choicest wine!
He tells me that I am a jar of clay – filled to the brim with Him for His choicest works that have been chosen for me to do since the beginning of time. Imagine. Hand picked things for me to do throughout my life. I have “a treasure within this jar of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us .” As I finished the cleansing shower, I whispered this prayer – “May Your best, Your very best wine flow from my life, from this jar that you have shaped for Your Name’s sake and for Your glory.” Cleansed. Filled. Purified.
It’s now the day after surgery, all went well with the removal of my ‘disruptive tenant’ (aka gall bladder).While curled up here in my big chair, I had the umption to inquire about a volunteer position and my name was forwarded on. It’s a door of opportunity, I’ve knocked and if it opens up, I’ll walk through it. Its what I call “Anna in the temple mode” a background role. It’s about being in the crowd, talking with, engaging with, those who are seeking to blend into the obscurity the crowd offers. I have found its often the place where He will meet us, intimately, when He’s invited to join a conversation. It quickly becomes a sacred place, right in the midst of others who are there, in the midst of whatever else is happening. It’s about doing the unfamilar in the midst of the familar.
After a few more days of laying low, I’m ready to play some – its Super Bowl time! Then, next weekend it’s my Birthday do over! I’ll really be able to enjoy all the food I want – cheers to happy eating! I did hear back about that volunteer position. After graciously acknowledging my inquiry, I was told the postion had been filled. So there’s that! Now I know we are to continue to pursue what we are inclined toward – preparing to move. More on this later!!
