I attended my brother's wedding in Ipswich Suffolk and I know not many of you will know where this is?
it is about 15 miles from where I was born and grew up in a town called Bury St Edmunds. I also trained as a nurse at the West Suffolk General hospital there.
It was while I was at my brother's wedding my socks came with me and my sock adventure began for me. At the table I was assigned to was two couples. The lady sitting next to me was called Diane and we started up a conversation. As we chatted I felt as if I had known her for a very long time-I am sure you all meet people that you feel the same way with.
Meet Diane.
As we chatted she talked of her health problems of which there were many. One was a car crash that had happened when the driver was on their mobile phone and crashed their car into hers. This accident had left Diane with some memory impairment and dizziness and other problems. She also suffers from Osteo-arthritis and is in constant pain and taking painkillers daily.
My brother Trevor and Shirley's wedding cake.
The table centrepiece
As we continued to talk she then told me she was scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday for surgery. She told me that she had breast cancer. I immediately said to her how sorry I was and that she was amazing in that she was so upbeat about all her problems. She replied that she felt it was not good to be negative or to worry and that so very many people have way worse problems than she does. That her problems fade away compared to what other people suffer.
I found Diane so inspirational.
Sometimes we notice some Christians tend to have small difficulties and trials but they are so defeated. Here was a lady who was dealing with and undergoing much more than I could ever comprehend but she was so upbeat and positive! Her face radiated joy and happiness.
As we continued to chat we talked of what we would do the next day. Michael and I had a 3 hour car journey back to Oxford after we left. Diane then said she would be up early to go to Church. It was then that I realised she like me was a Christian. God had brought us together. This was not by chance but by God's grace. She told me of her bible groups and her work in the church. I felt so blessed to know this lady.
A photo of me in the beautiful grounds of a stunning venue.
So you will be perhaps wondering where this is leading to? I want to let you know that my sock adventure brought me a new friend and a time of reflection.
Devotion to God during our valley times does bring some challenges. It made me think about prayer and how sometimes when dealing with a crisis we go quickly to God, pray and seek Him. I am reminded of the quote that asks "is prayer your spare tire or your steering wheel?" I want prayer to be my steering wheel-how about you?
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
I thought about the times I rush off to work and my prayers are rushed. I want to make sure I maintain my prayer at the beginning of the morning even when experiencing difficulties. Always to remember to be grateful and give thanks. God is still on the throne and working for us and still hearing our prayers. I want to give thanks during those painful times as well as when all is going well.
Psalm 34 tells us that Praise is to be continual.
God protects and is faithful to all who follow Him.
Praise can encourage others.
Praise can be a testimony.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice: let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection
over them, that those who live your name may exalt in you.
Psalm 5:11
In my day of trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.
Psalm 86:3
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
Psalm 37:5
My brother Trevor and his wife Shirley.
Back home and reflecting on a wonderful day! Thinking about my new friend and how the Lord
is ever faithful and always there for me! Remembering my blessings and answered prayers. Thank you Lord.Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
