The Great Physician
Dear Pali Pres Family,
As many of you know, my family and I came down with Covid last week. And although we are all better now and have returned to normal life, the previous ten days have been somewhat, well, harrowing. While the boys never really had any symptoms, Mary and I both felt pretty darn crummy at times. Simply put, being sick is never fun. It is even less fun when you have two little kids who want to do NOTHING but play, even when you just want to rest. Also, let’s face it…being stuck in the same house with the same group of people, for multiple days on end, is a real test of patience and forbearance (no matter how much you love them!).
But as challenging as the past week and half has been at times, I also look back and feel a deep sense of gratitude. It was a real blessing to spend extra time with the people I love most in the world. While I did work during my home isolation (thank God for Zoom…I guess), there was still plenty of time to join the family in doing puzzles, playing board games, baking cookies and muffins, and just watching some fun TV together (I’ll admit, “Nailed It!” and “Floor is Lava” were among our favorites).
I also feel a sense of gratitude that our family is a part of such a loving church community. It has been wonderful for Mary and I to receive your well-wishes and know we were covered in prayer. Additionally, we feel extremely thankful for the great care and tasty meals provided by our dedicated Deacons!
In times of challenge and illness it’s not easy to feel hopeful and resilient. But through this past week I’ve been reminded that love from family and love from a faith community makes such a difference. Jesus is often referred to as the “Great Physician” (see Mark 2: 15-17) and brings us healing in body, mind, and soul. I truly believe that being encouraged with love and prayer from others is certainly a way the Great Physician works to bring about healing and wholeness in each of us.
I look forward to seeing all of you soon!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
