We have been trying to get Joy in her gait trainer to get vitals when she passes out. In fact, my nurse friend taught me how to take her blood pressure because we weren’t having much consistency with a digital blood pressure monitor. But, the last 3-4 times we have gotten her into her gait trainer, she has not passed out. We have kept her in it for 20-30 minutes to make sure. I’m hoping that we have just passed through that uncertainty and maybe it has corrected itself. I do know many of you have been praying and perhaps this is the answer to our prayers. Anyway, until we see differently, we will resume her former plan of care and try to get her moving better again. Her teacher is eager to help her get back into the routine that she was progressing in before.
Areas of our close community (the college and church) are still having cases of COVID surface in pop-up fashion so Ben has chosen that we will continue to remain at home and livestream for the foreseeable future. Many large-gathering activities have once again been cancelled, especially where social distancing and mask wearing are hard to comply with. Services remain in person and livestreamed so that members can choose which would be better for their particular circumstances. It’s hard to think that the length of this situation will not have long-term effects on our society. We have done things so differently now for a while and that will inevitably bring shifts in our thinking. I am praying that believers will not shift toward apathy and convenience. Those are enemies to the cause of Christ and this kind of situation can readily bring about those changes. It is increasingly difficult for any of us not to focus on our own little world. If you're like me, selfishness by far gives the most trouble to each day. We need to strive to remain others-centered, with God's help.
This is an old song that I haven’t heard in a while but came to my heart as I finished the above paragraph. It’s a fitting way to end! I’m praying this prayer myself.
're
Others
Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.
Refrain:
Others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d do for You
Must needs be done for others.
Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep: and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again,
Except to live for others.