I love my job…sometimes.  I dislike my job…sometimes.  Like all of you, I have highs and lows to contend with.  The joys of seeing a new person come to know Jesus as their Savior and then ultimately to be baptized is a blessing beyond measure.  I love preaching-standing in front of people and being able to share the Good News of Jesus from the Bible is beyond description.  I love communicating the truth and connecting, of seeing lights go on in people’s eyes as the truth breaks through.  I love seeing the joy on new parents’ faces when they welcome that life she has been carrying for 9 months into the world.  So much I love about my job.

But there are also times that I don’t like my job very well at all.  My aversion to using “rough sounding” language forbids to say how I feel about it at times.  Last night was one of those times.  About 4:30 yesterday, I received a call from someone telling me that a couple we have been so excited for had a miscarriage.  So after giving them some time to process and be alone, I went to visit them.  They have been looking forward to having this baby but when they went for their ultrasound and to see their baby for the first time they were informed that there was a fertilized egg but it was empty.  I had never heard of that before in all honesty but her body had all the signs of a pregnancy.  All…except one…the baby itself.  I did not really know what to expect since I have seen people respond in so many different ways.  The father was sad inside (his words).  The mother was sad but surprisingly was trusting that God knew best.  So was the dad and even expressed that earlier but now as reality set in, it was tougher.  I believe they will get through this and come out with their marriage and faith stronger but for now the hurt is there. 

I laid in bed this morning and couldn’t sleep (on my day off no less).  Here are some obervations I made (for what it is worth):

One, I am so thankful that they are Christ-followers.  I say it over and over: I don’t understand how those who have no faith to fall back on make it in this world.  When life happens (like this) I wonder where people turn.  This couple will hurt but will make it because of their faith in God’s ultimate plan.

Second, before I even got there, maybe before I even heard about it, someone from their small group had already called her.  What made that special was that she had also experienced a miscarriage between the birth of their two boys.  That is what ministering to others is all about.   And the pastor didn’t have to do it! Ain’t that cool!

Third, while I was there the husband of the previous lady called and talked for about 10 minutes or so to the father. Again, that is what the church is to do.

Fourth, as I was literally walking out the door, another member of their small group was at the door with something to eat for tomorrow.  Need I say my thoughts on that? 

The highs and lows of my job…all at one time.  The low of a couple losing a baby and the high of watching the church, their friends, rally around them.  And I have this sneaking suspicion this will not be the last.  Since I have not received any permission to share names I would just appreciate it if you would say a prayer for this young couple.  Thanks.

Now…to the pastors who read this…my prayers will be with you this weekend.  To you who may have lost a child, my thoughts and prayers will be with you.  To all of you who rally around people like this couple, thank you for showing what the church is all about and what Jesus had in mind.  How can I pray for you this weekend?  Please let me know.  I originally had planned on “publishing my prayer” for this morning but when I sat down to write this, God had other ideas.  If you have a request you can either send it via this post or email me personally and I promise I will pray for you.  And I would certainly appreciate any prayers you may say on my behalf.   Have a fantastic weekend and worship experience!