Thursday October 22 2015  THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM

I asked my husband for a title suggestion for today’s blog.  He said, “THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM”.  Immediately I responded, “No I don’t think that is appropriate.  I think it is THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM”.  He agreed.  Today it was stormy around this place.  Not literally in the way of weather, but in our feverish attempt to get everything battened down so that after his surgery we will not be in the midst of the storm of preparing for winter.  Did we get it all done?  Of course not.  There is always more for us to do, regardless how much we have already done.  Anyway, that is how it seems around here. 

While we were having lunch Dave made a statement that made me realize just how difficult this year has been for him.  He always takes such pride in the yard, working every weekend attending its needs, mowing, weeding, tilling, planting, and weed whacking.  He said “This has been the year of yard neglect”.  And so it has.  He was under so much pressure the last few months of employment, working long hours trying to get everything finished on his plate before he retired.  Then when I returned home he became so ill with the infection in his leg.  This all took place during the time most necessary for Wisconsin’s garden season.  If it hadn’t been for our neighbors mowing for us during his hospitalization and recovery you might not even be able to see our house from the street. 

Courtland volunteered to bring his riding lawnmower over and mow and mulch the leaves that have fallen.  Our son-in-law volunteered to fly up next month and take care of the yard and do other jobs that need to be done.  And then, our neighbors came over and informed us that Sam will clean our gutters and Karen will blow our leaves that fall later in the year.  Dave’s on the phone now informing Neil of the kind offers of son and neighbors so that he knows that he will not need to fly up next month.  We were overwhelmed when so many offered to do so much.  We are at the mercy of the weather, how cold it becomes, when the leaves decide to fall, and how soon we receive our first snow storm.  Just knowing that we have help coming at important times makes going into tomorrow a bit easier.  I was at the computer looking up yard services to call when Dave came in and informed me of all the offers.  Slowly the storm started to abate and we began feeling the calm.  I thank God for our children, son in law and our wonderful neighbors for volunteering.  I believe TIME is the greatest gift anyone can give.  We are fortunate to live in such a great neighborhood.  The neighborhood is small, only four houses on our street, but I think that is what makes it work so well.  All total there are about 20 to 25 houses in our development. We are also blessed by wonderful children and their spouses!  We look forward to when Zach and Xander are old enough to mow lawns!!!

The patio furniture is put away but yet to be covered.  It is in an interior shop that is below our house and garage.  Due to salt erosion there are leaks that come into a limited area of the shop so we must cover what we store in that area.  That is something I can do after Dave’s surgery.  We just simply ran out of time today.

Tomorrow begins at 4:00 a.m. for us.  Dave is scheduled to be in the hospital by 5:30 a.m.  We do not know what time he will be home.  We do know that if all goes well he will be released tomorrow.  The sheets are clean, the fridge is stocked, but the bathtub is not yet scrubbed.  Oh well, it will get done…eventually.

Tomorrow is the beginning of our sabbatical (our “time out” in the hectic pace of life).  I’ve decided to join Dave and have as little on my schedule as possible.  There are a few events that we hope to attend but we will take into consideration Dave’s situation first and foremost.  I choose the word “sabbatical” with the dictionary’s definitions: “leave, retreat, time off, time out”.  All those pertain to what we want to do.  If you are given a bowl of lemons you might as well make lemonade!  I will take any situation that comes our way and turn it to the best of our advantage.  This situation with Dave is not a hardship for me.  It is a time when I can be there to help him, lavish him with love, help him get well, AND BE QUIET WHEN HE NO LONGER NEEDS TO HEAR ME TALK!  I can do that!

A little “time out” of life might be just what we need!   The idea of having time to spend studying God’s Word is also a great enticement. 

Before I become a hermit I better quit writing the blog.  I don’t want to write something I can’t live up to. 

HE KNOWS THE BEGINNING AND THE END

By Kathleen Martens

October 22, 2015

Man makes his plans,

But God directs his steps.

We know not what is ahead,

Our path by God is kept.

If we follow in His way

He is faithful to guide.

Through His Holy Spirit

Is how He does confide.

So we need not worry

About what tomorrow brings,

But rather trust in God’s wisdom

For every little thing.

He has a plan that is good

Designed to give us hope.

No matter the circumstance

He will always help us cope.

He gives comfort when it’s needed

And strength to get us through.

He knows the beginning and the end,

And we’re always in His view.

Good night and God bless you.

P.S.  Dave just took his night shower with hospital antiseptic (he has to take another one in the morning using more antiseptic wash and another clean towel).  Just wanted you to know he cleaned the tub and shower first.  He must sleep in all clean clothes and clean sheets!  All’s well!