This version of After Thoughts is not really on the subject of being Goal Oriented. Even though I am a youth pastor and love what I do, last night I my mind was not on the kids. Many of you know what has been going on with my in-laws, but if you don't let me catch you up to speed.
Last Thursday night they lost everything (except their lives and the dog) to a house fire. The fire was due to a gas leak and they are truly lucky to be alive. Here is a link to see some of the fire pictures: http://www.sanjuanislander.com/groups/fire_orcas/01-08-2009.shtml .
As if this wasn't enough Kim's dad, Doug, was coming down to Seattle from their property in the San Juan Islands. He still works as a dentist and had a couple of patients lined up for Monday. It was going to be a good distraction from dealing with the loss of so much. On the drive down his right hip dislocates. This is a hip that has been replaced twice in recent history. So, Sunday night they got to a hospital in Seattle and the doctors were trying to pop his hip back into place. The doctors couldn't get it back in so they were going to do it surgically on Monday. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that Kim and Luke headed up to meet her parents in Seattle. The surgery took quite a while and later that evening they found out why. His hip joint was so full of infection that it popped it out of the socket. Ouch!!! So, instead of resetting his hip they cleaned out the socket and don't plan to re-set it for another 6 or so weeks. Yes, that's right his leg is attached only by flesh and tissue.
I found this little bit of information out on Tuesday, which is also youth group night. Needless to say I felt very distracted. I think I gave a talk and played a game, but I really don't remember much from the last few days.
So how does this tie into being "Goal Oriented"? It doesn't. God does things that at times we can't understand and at time He allows things to happen that seem out of control. But I believe in a God who is in control and nothing is by accident. That doesn't mean that this kind of things are easy, matter of fact they are very hard, but God had a plan when He created the universe, He had a plan when He created Adam and Eve and He has plans for you and me. We don't always get what happens, but I know I can rest in the fact that He does understand. For that I am eternally grateful.
My prayer if for Doug and Jeri. Let them grieve the loss of a home (which in many ways is like losing a loved one). May they continue to be thankful for life and life abundantly. I also pray for healing, both physical and emotional. May God be with Doug and Jeri and they adjust to what is going to be a different lifestyle than they had before.
For those of you reading this, please take inventory of your life. Not just material things, but what truly matters to you. If it is stuff understand that it can be taken away in a matter of seconds. If the things that matter most are people, then make sure they know that. Hold them close and make sure they know that you care about them.
Blessings on you,
Pastor Scott
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