Where to Begin?

Unfortunately, this week started with more health issues. Monday morning, my caregiver found a rash on my leg. By Wednesday, I had a cream to treat it, but I was still tired and now running a low grade fever. The leg problem has popped up before as an indicator to infection. My suspicion was confirmed Friday afternoon with a diagnosis of a UTI and I started taking an antibiotic.

Due to the leg rash, I did not get up to bike or even sit in the sun despite nice weather. My caregiver and I didn't want to add further irritation and possibly make things worse. Therefore, I stayed in bed all week, except for one activity.

I have posted before about feeling disconnected from church at times. The best way to get to know others better is through more one-on-one conversations, especially in smaller gatherings. Most groups only meet during the school year though. It would be odd to join for the first month or two, go into winter hibernation, and then maybe return for the final meeting or two. I have done it, but it isn't a great situation.

My church bulletin advertised a men's group meeting this summer in the evening twice a month. I thought it may be good to at least see what it was like, so my only outing this week (other than the hospital lab) was Thursday night with dad at church.

He and I reviewed the Scripture passage and then joined 12 other guys. Most of them were very familiar faces from church and I actually knew the names of several. The Bible study portion took the majority of the time, but we had a concluding time of sharing prayer requests or needs.

As I listened and added requests to my mental check list, I debated what to say, if anything. One of the problems of living the quad life is the isolation and unfamiliarity with frequent concerns. While I consider several of the men friends from church, I don't know much beyond general information of each, nor they me.

I would have liked to add a prayer request about the recent issue of getting hours approved. In order for it to start making sense, it would require an explanation that could get lengthy. As others finished concerns, I also noticed time was getting closer for my night nurse to come. Along with my caregiver needs, I know others in the quad life with great struggles and further need of God's intervention.

In the end, I sat in silence and just listened as a spectator learning the group's routine. Afterword, I did update our Pastor as he is somewhat familiar with what has been going on. Overall, everything went well and I made it back to bed just one-minute before my night caregiver arrived. I don't know if dad and I will be regular attendees, but it was at least one evening out with a week of not doing well.

Next Sunday, I'm scheduled to preach at a church I haven't visited in nearly five years. I pray the medication helps to improve my overall health, but also doesn't cause further problems. Whatever happens, I look to God for His direction and strength.