Back and forth. Back and forth. That pretty well sums up the past several weeks in our home. Any number of times now, Kolaya and I have gone to the doctor and then to the hospital and finally returned home. Back and forth. Back and forth. Now, however, as Kolaya is nearing the end of the pregnancy she is in the hospital to stay (at least until the baby is born). That’s what is making life for us bittersweet. The longer the baby stays in the womb, the healthier and stronger he grows. However, the longer he stays in, the longer Kolaya has to be in the hospital. Now we both want a healthy baby but we also both want for her to be at home, so life is bittersweet.
Another bittersweet moment has taken place as I have continued to work and run errands in my community. As Kolaya has been in and out of the hospital for sometimes extended stays, people have frequently stopped me to ask about her. When I picked up my kids report cards on the last day of school, two or three different people asked about her status. When I went to the drugstore for a prescription refill, two or three people asked how she was doing. When I go to the little league games or get a phone call from the coaches, someone will inevitably ask, “Hey, how is Kolaya?” That, of course, doesn’t include our church family that frequently calls both her and me to get an update. It is just awesome to know that so many people are thinking of us and caring for us enough to take the time to ask. It’s bittersweet because while we would rather she wasn’t in the hospital, we have people who have surrounded us with care and concern.
This circle of concern for Kolaya and our family has been a remarkable chance for me to reflect on the image of the church. For as I think of the people caring for us, I realize that there are others who hurt and wonder if anyone really cares. This is one of the crucial issues of the church, to care. To love one another and to walk through the difficult times that will come to them. I pray that our church will continue to be a community that embraces the other while they experience the joys and sorrows of life. Whereever you are today, whether blessed or burdened, please know that our church longs to care for you and help you and even better, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5.7)
From My Heart
