ZPCBlog

About the author: Kristin Lehr has been leading our children at ZPC since 2008. She lives in Carmel with her husband Chip and three children Connor (20, Go UC Bearcats), Carter (17, Senior singing his heart out with the Ambassadors at CHS) and Cooper (16, Go CHS basketball)!! She is the author of several Christian picture books, active in her local PEO chapter and loves gourmet coffee and a great handbag.

Today's scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

I’m going to let you in a little secret. November 1 hits and immediately my brain shifts to “it’s busy season.” Church decorating, planning and executing events for families and visitors, truly making sure that the stocking are hung by the chimney with care. Over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at this. The love of Christ I pray you experience when you walk through the doors at ZPC is my heart’s desire. I love my church, my job, my families, and ministry.  I want the best possible experience for you, especially during “busy season.” However, I have forgotten that God doesn’t want us entangled in busy. He wants us at his feet, in our hearts, living breathing deeply for him. He showed me his splendor once again and I write this today grateful, slower, appreciative of this season and for a God who deems me worthy of sending his son.

The week before Thanksgiving I was walking my dog, Lola. I slipped and fell on wet leaves and uneven pavement. Immediately I went into “busy” mode. I didn’t have time to go to the hospital–the throbbing pain in my ankle was probably temporary, right? I called my dad to lead my beloved Soul Sisters group; called work to say I might be late; and finally, after ice, elevation, and the calm voice of reason from my mom, went to the hospital and…broken ankle. This is NOT something I have time for right now. It’s busy season!!! BUT God came through; my volunteers came through; my children in ministry and their families came through; and that Sunday went off without me while I splayed on the couch streaming services and feeling like I was missing out on not being there.

Thanksgiving comes and I’m not longer hosting which is now fine with me because my calf hurts a lot! It hurts so much that I decide it’s the boot and I will not wear it one more second because it’s causing me so much pain. I actually posted this on Facebook and a ZPCer saw it and reached out to me. I ended up at Orthoindy to have the boot looked at. God sent me an angel named Jen who told me that she suspected a blood clot and gave me stat orders to head to the ER. She was right and I was admitted to the hospital. There I witnessed a packed house! No spare rooms, all hands on deck, and it was constant. Another Sunday to miss, volunteers to rally, children to hear the gospel, and ZPC had it covered! I could focus on recovery. Once I took a deep breath and switched my focus from busy to rest, I saw God and he was everywhere at that hospital. My nurses were so kind and patient and reassuring. My CNA had attended Awakening and Great Escape as a teen. Every morning I ordered my breakfast, and the sweet lady who answered the phone would have a good laugh with me over the point of decaf coffee (there isn’t one). Taneesha took out my trash each day and shared that her grown children had finally moved out the weekend before and we spent time talking about that. I was finally allowed to “take a lap” around my floor and I witnessed the nurses layering up and putting on their precautionary gear to go into a Covid room. My doctors took so much time with me, listening and developing a game plan. I knew ZPC and so many others were praying. I truly got to experience the love of Christ during my stay and this whole experience has been nothing short of a miracle. I know the dangers of a blood clot and things could have gone a different direction. I was shown love, compassion, empathy, and kindness in spite of the true busyness of the hospital and its never ending line of patients needing care. The day I left, there were 7 people in the ER waiting for beds.

So, it’s no longer busy season for me. It’s the season of goodness. The season of miracles. The scripture today is from Psalm 96:1-13.

It begins:

“Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.

I don’t like that it took a broken ankle and a blood clot to slow me down and jog my memory this Christmas, but you better believe that I’m singing to the Lord and praising his name. Over and over he saved me, sent people to love and care for me, and sent his son so that I can have eternal life with him. I’m forever changed by this experience and forever grateful. Abundant blessings to you this Christmas season…Jesus is coming.

Activity:

Take 10 deeps breaths. Breath in and think “more of you God” and when you breath out think “less of me.” Rid yourself of worldly things and breath in the everlasting life of God. Do this throughout the day! It’s a great habit!

Prayer:

Father God,
I sing your praise for you are good. I ask for you to show me the slow in this day so that I can give you the glory.
Amen

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