Today’s Reflection
ONCE AGAIN, my parents took me to doctor after doctor in Arizona with the same results we had gotten in Tennessee. In desperation they sought out a new pediatrician in town, Dr. Howard Robertson. Dr Robertson had retired from teaching at Vanderbilt Medical School an institution that was fewer than 50 miles from our previous home in Tennessee. …
Almost immediately, my parents and I built trust with Dr. Robertson and his wife, who served as the nurse in the practice.
After Dr. Robinson had examined me several times and looked over my past medical records, he decided to send me to a large medical center in Tucson for tests. There were several possibilities for a diagnosis, some of them so dire as to be life-threatening. Dr. Robertson didn’t tell my parents about the worst of these diagnoses until later, nor did he reveal that he would like awake at night, wondering if he could keep me alive long enough to find out what was wrong with me. My most vivid memory from that time was that several of the tests required that I take large doeses … of castor oil in preparation for them. I hated the taste, which reminded me of the smell of motor oil, and I gagged at the consistency, almost unable to drink it and keep it down.
Dr. Robertson received my test results from the hospital in Tucson, and he shared them with my parents and me, letting us know that his worst fears were not realized. I had been born with a blood deficiency that affected my immune system. … My deficiency could be treated by injections of gamma globulin – nine cc’s every six weeks. … Over time, … and with continued treatment, I grew into an active and healthy young person.
– Michael E. Williams
Spoken into Being
From pages 85-86 of Spoken into Being: Divine Encounters Through Story by Michael E. Williams. Copyright © 2017 by Michael E. Williams. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
When has persistence paid off for you? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”
Isaiah 6:8, NRSV
This Week: pray for the victims of voilence. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Rita of Cascia (May 22).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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9 Comments
Persistence paid off for me in my pursuit of a teaching job. I was told, while in college, that I would be able to pick where I wanted to teach, because there would be so many jobs available in my teaching area. I quickly found this to be untrue. I subbed for two years, while working other jobs in the evening, and coaching. At one point – I was working 5 jobs. And subbing was most unpleasant. I was able to land a job at a small Christian school – where I taught for the next two years and also coached the girls basketball team. This was in ’93 – and the pay was so poor I could have collected food stamps. But – I continued to live at home with my parents and worked a job at night when not coaching. Finally, my fifth summer out of college, at the 11th hour…3 days before school started, I was hired by the school system in the city where I grew up. It was a real culture shock, going for an ultra conservative Christian school to an inner city high school…but, I look at where I am now, the program I teach in and the wonderful students I have – and am filled with gratitude.
Mom wasn’t feeling her best, but went to the party yesterday. It was good for her to be with family, her sister’s children were there, with their children – the first time some of them had seen her since Christmas.
Three weeks left of school. This is the last week for seniors. They finished their 3 weeks of testing – I have missed seeing them on a regular basis.
Getting a new roof put on today. My little Roger won’t know what is happening.
Persistence is a pleasant positive word for me. I have been persistent before I knew the word. Needed a lot of it in my teaching career, not so much in the beginning, but most certainly in the years I spent at an inner city vocational school. Returning each year was tough, but somehow I learned that was where God wanted me to be. More than half of my teaching career was there.
Finding jobs, becoming an army officer, making my way through heart rehab and maintenance, helping others, and staying firm in my faith are other areas where persistence has paid off. I think Julie had a quote from Vince Lombardi that related to persistence.
Thankful for a wonderful Pentecost service and fellowship time yesterday.
Erich had a long tough day at work, thankfully I was able to make a good supper for him, and he is off today. Anneliese is recovering from the pain management procedure, hopefully it will provided needed help. I echo the prayers Andrea made yesterday, glad she is home safely from her trip to Atlanta. Very thankful for the family time Gloria had and the new roof at Jill’s.
I have a very hard time understanding three weeks os testing for high school students. I nor any of my students experienced that. I do pray it went well.
Blessings to all through a long church season that ends when Advent begins.
Thank You, Lord, for always being with us. You are most persistent.
Robert, keeping you, Erich and Anneliese in prayer
May God be our ever present help and strength
May God also grant us persistence!
I have really enjoyed reading over everyone’s narratives that were posted yesterday. So much of our faith journey is shaped by our stories. Thank you all for sharing.
Persistence has been important in my teaching career as well. Pushing students to do their best; working to get the programs and materials needed to be able to reach students….that’s what teachers do. Jill, your student are so fortunate to have a teacher that believes in them! Praying that testing goes well.
Rain here all day, but many things to do today inside. Blessings to all.
When I was in charge of my Mother’s care decisions, I once asked her “Do you think I’m too bossy”. She replied “Well, you ARE persistent!”….and that I am!
Thankful for:
The Hummingbird feeder not breaking when I dropped it on the basement floor.
The gentle rainfall during the early morning.
Flowers planted and hung. Not as many this year, but enjoying them. I always re-plant my Christmas Poinsettia from my son and his family.
I have the Memorial Day flowers for the graves that I bought Friday. The Queen’s colors on Sat.
were the same as the flowers, purple and lemon-lime and I wondered at my choice at the time, but they are so pretty.
Have a wonderful week, my friends.
Recently, i have seen my dad getting stronger each day. He is persistent in practising with his walking frame daily. Some days, i even saw him walking without the frame.
Praise God for his persistence and speedy recovery!
Blessings to all
Grateful for another happy and busy day
So very glad to hear of your father’s improving health. Praise God!
Have a peaceful night’s rest.
I could not have made it through any of the stages of my life had I not been persistent. Blood clots in college and returning to classes 2 weeks later (even though had been in Intensive Care week before). Getting pregnant despite blood clotting issues (giving myself shots every day). The list is too long.
Going to get mammogram and ultrasound mammo. Please pray that all is clear.
Prayers for Jill and her family. I pray the roofers do not upset Roger.
Prayers for Robert, Erich and Anneliese. So many different endeavors you have had through your life, Robert. I am in awe.
Prayers for Connie and her flowers, may you both be strong.
Prayers for Betsy, may she be safe during her many chores.
Blessiings and prayers for and thank you to all of the UR family
You’re free to make your own choices, but you will never be free of the consequences of your choices.
Srishti
Thanks Julie!
Keeping you in prayer!
May all be well with you
Blessings
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