I tell ya…this past week-and-a-half has really been an adventure. My wife——Rev. Rebecca Dunger Peak, who is pastor of Avondale United Methodist Church—was scheduled to have back surgery on Friday, June 13. Rebecca had been having back and leg pain for more than 3 months. Physical
therapy and pain medication didn't help much. So, she was looking forward to the relief she would get from surgery. But then an emergency came up, and Rebecca's surgery was postponed until Monday, June 23.
I had been scheduled to leave town on that Monday for the Missouri Association of Adult Continuing and Community Education (MAACCE) conference in Osage Beach. As part of my job teaching adult education for the Independence School District, attending the annual MAACCE conference is one of the ways I can complete my required professional development hours. I couldn't imagine missing Rebecca's surgery, so I obtained permission to miss a day of the conference.
Rebecca had her surgery, and everything went well. She immediately began experiencing relief from her pain. The next day I packed my bags and headed to Osage Beach. The first day of the MAACCE conference went well. I had a good experience and learned a lot. But then…when I was carrying my suitcases down the stairs to get into my room, I tripped and fell. SMACK! I hit the wall with my forehead. It left a mark and boy did it hurt. Other than the wound on my forehead and bruises on various parts of my body, I turned out OK. No broken bones. The only thing broken was the telescopic handle of my suitcase. Thankfully, I can always get another suitcase!
I wish I could say that was the end of our troubles, but it wasn't. On Friday, my father-in-law had to go by ambulance to the hospital. It's a long story that I can't fit into this space. Nevertheless, it was quite an ordeal as EMTs came to our house and carried Hank out on a gurney. Fortunately, he only had to stay for a few hours while they ran tests and did other procedures. Hank is doing much better now.
Throughout all that has happened, no matter how bad or painful it may have seemed at the time, we have experienced God's presence with us. God has been by our side through each and every ordeal. God has given us strength for each moment, wisdom for each decision, and peace for each hardship. God has also stirred up the community of faith to help us with their prayers and acts of service. I hope that you, too, know the peace, hope, love, and joy that comes from having a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Knowing God makes a world of difference as we travel through life. Have a great summer, and see you in church!
Grace & Peace
Pastor Clayton