A Better Experience

 

Light and dark in the Advent sanctuary

Now for happier experience

although it began darkly 2 a.m. Saturday

woke up severe unrelenting abdominal pain

no sleep only pain

then unending nausea and pain into the day

called retired elder who was out of town

please fill in for me tomorrow

it’s just song service and reception

okay she said we’re coming home tonight anyway.

 

Afternoon found me at urgent care

waiting waiting waiting

finally given magic pill

to take away nausea

go to ER they said

no I was emphatic

having been regaled by church member

who spent 11 hours there three days previously.

 

Ran some tests

oh this is what it must be

here have a painful injection then prescription

if severe pain returns take ambulance to ER

could be something much worse.

 

Felt so much better Sunday morning

went to church for singing service

two verses of called-out Christmas carols

don’t forget to call out hymn numbers!

except one woman wanted to sing

verse two of Because He Lives

I know it’s an Easter hymn she apologized

but it IS about a baby

we gladly sang it

love that hymn love them all

always get choked up 

verse three Away in a Manger 

silly sentimental carol.

 

We gave musician jar stuffed with cash

told her you are a joy!

all this followed by lovely reception

magical sparkling scrumptious

exhausted I went home sorry to miss it.

 

Here’s what I know from 20 years of this

God always takes care of me

when I am in the pulpit

always and in many ways

making divine self known to me

thank you Lord.