Didn't Expect This

on April 01, 2011 by Walt Dilg

Being pushed through the San Diego Airport in a wheel chair was not the way I expected to come home from the trip to the Holy Land. I had worked hard in preparation for this trip, getting all the ducks in a line for a great and busy Lent. I had expected to return with great excitement and energy, and jump into Lent with unrivaled enthusiasm. Yet here I was, limping home and into bed, out of action and out of gas.

Apparently, I slipped two discs in my lower back a few days before returning home, and as would be my nature, I kept going, not wanting to miss out on anything. The pain in my back and radiating down my leg kept getting worse, yet pain pills kept me going, until that last leg of the flight
when I threw in the towel. Special thanks to all the folks here at church who have been so helpful during my convalescence. Bed-rest, prescriptions, and TLC from parishioners have done wonders. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a thoughtful and caring congregation.

As John Lennon is remembered saying, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” So true. Plan and anticipate as best we can, the future does not always or even often unfold as we design. We are wise when we recognize that more is afoot in the world than our intention, and that healthy and productive living accounts for the unexpected, and delights in the serendipitous. I think this is part of God’s good creation. Now I won’t pretend that I have rejoiced in this unexpected turn of events, yet I will confess I have humbled myself before it, and have sought the spiritual insights and nurture that such a time can bring. Being reminded of our humanity and its fragility is a good thing from time to time (… just as long as it doesn’t get in the way of our big plans!). Thank you Lord for all your tender mercies.

Blessings upon you all. Let us have a good Lent together.