Hi Christ Church family,
Pull up a chair and sit for a bit. Let me tell you a story about how I’m slowly acclimating to the area, which will take a year or two, I think.
Last week, one day, I was remembering one of my favorite passages, Psalm 23, and prayed that God would lead me this day. Later, I felt God giving me a slight tug on my heart to visit a person at Lankenau Hospital. So, I hopped into the car, headed to the hospital, and enjoyed the different landmarks and scenery along the way. I was amazed to see so many beautiful buildings with stone walls since Denver rarely has that. Once I got to the hospital, I was stunned to see signs for different parking garages. Let me tell you, Denver hospitals are nothing but big, tall, rectangular buildings with an adjacent parking garage. One doesn’t get lost easily. Now I’m getting lost just looking for a parking garage and quickly found out garage A was closed. I asked the police officer where the next garage was since I didn’t see it anywhere. He informed me to go around back. Of course. After parking, I entered the building but quickly got lost. Usually, in Denver, patients' rooms are upstairs, while emergency care is on the main floor. That was not the case here, as everything was intermingled. I was praying about where to go, hoping there was an information booth or a map on the wall. Nope. I kept walking and looking but got lost more since the hospital was a maze. Nothing seemed to make logical sense based on my Denver experience.
I ended up on the 2nd floor but stood for a bit, unsure where to turn next. I asked God, “What now?” then a doctor happened to come by, and I asked him where a nurses’ station or info booth was since I’m a new pastor from Denver, CO. Walking with him, I discovered he worked at the hospital for 38 years and periodically got lost. So, I didn’t feel bad being new to the area and getting confused. He gave me directions and sent me on my way. I finally found the front lobby, checked in, and got lost again before finding the patent room (was that a right, left, and right, or right, right and left? Oh well).
What amazed me the most was how old Lankenau Hospital is. The hospital opened in 1850 before Colorado became a state in 1876. There are rarely buildings in Denver built before 1900. However, there is so much history here, even at a hospital. The hospital grew over time with new additions and multiple parking garages, becoming a giant maze today.
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And my point is…
As I reflect on the story, I have several points. First, please let me know if you or you know of someone with an upcoming surgery or hospital stay. I deeply care about you and would like to visit to pray with you. Or pray with relatives while they are in the waiting room. Having someone visit can be comforting.
Second, my story started with my time with God and reflecting on God as my Shepherd in Psalm 23. When I rest and choose to obey God’s lead and direction, he will start leading me with simple prompts or thoughts of care. Nothing too hard. God places a simple idea in our hearts.
Last week, God prompted me to visit someone because I cared and prayed for that person. Maybe God nudges you to pray and care for someone at work. Or God prompts you to show kindness to someone in the neighborhood or school. Or you see someone at work having a bad day, and God prompts you to ask, “Are you having a hard day? I would like to pray for you, so what is going on?”
But what if you hit an obstacle? I had the same problem when I got lost at the hospital. For starters, it is ok to get lost. That is when we pray and trust God, which helps us to depend on God. And God answered by bringing a doctor at the right time. We just need to keep trusting God.
I’m excited to see where God is leading us as a church in the months ahead! Where the gospel will impact our church, family, and communities. I look forward to getting to know you, too!
You are greatly loved! Pastor Jem |
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