Peaks and Valleys

I write this as Sunday School is in full swing at EBC. I expressed my gratitude to the early worship crowd for how Ebenezer has been my family, carrying me through many tough times in my life. Prayer works and I am a firm believer in both the power of prayer and the power of God.

By virtue of my calling, I’ve walked this path before. Many times. As a pastor who cares for my sheep, I’ve been on this difficult road with others and it is no picnic. I’d like to think I’ve helped many families before who were right where the Wike family is, right now. One thing about it: I feel their pain now first-hand. I’ve seen it from the bleachers many times, but now I feel it. And its tough.

I finally was able to call Mom this morning around 10am. The report is not great news, but not terrible news either: He is still breathing with the vent in CPAP mode only. His vitals all look good. There is an increasing amount of mucus they are having to deal with and we don’t know where that is coming from. So, no significant changes in any of those. But now he is not as responsive as he was yesterday. And that hurts.

Many times I’ve seen families celebrate the peaks and suffer through the valleys. So I know they exist. But walking through this valley is tough. Ironically, my little sister and I talked yesterday about how we’ve celebrated so much over just a little progress and we talked about the fact that valleys will happen. I just didn’t think it would be today, or hit me like a ton of bricks.

I don’t want to sound like the boy who cried wolf, but please do keep my family in your prayers. Thanks!!!