I begin this new blog from a rehab ward of a hospital. I fell recently and broke some bones in my foot and leg. And because of my disability, I can't use crutches. So it's rehab time for the next several weeks.
It strikes me that a hospital is a good place to be for Advent. You do a lot of waiting in hospitals--waiting for doctors and nurses and x-rays and blood tests and blood test results and food. And there's a lot of expectancy too--for good news or bad news or any news at all; for visitors to come or friends to call; for the blessed day you get to go home. Waiting and expectancy. Expectancy and waiting.
Isn't that what Advent is all about?
It occurs to me as I reflect on this that it's kind of like the whole world was a hospital in the millenia, centuries, decades, months, and weeks before the birth of Jesus. The earth was waiting. Longing, even. Wondering. Expecting. And the world was and still is filled with broken people. People like me and you and Aunt Sally and the neighbors down the street who seem so perfect.
Yes, we are waiting still. Waiting in this hospital called earth. Waiting for Jesus to make us whole.
The world as hospital. I like that. Waiting for the Great Physician.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written. Thanks for this.
Hi John!
ReplyDeleteMy friend Julie was finally getting around to chasing you down, but we no longer had your contact info. Thanks to Google, here's your Blog! Good to read thru it & to know of some of your current adventures -- and to be brought to reflection by your entries. Funnily enough, I'm on one foot and unable to use crutches (due to RA in wrists -- one awaiting a prothesis) just now too. Not quite as severe a situ -- just a strong flare up in my bad ankle. (I hope!) But as we've just moved to Canada & are trying to set up house, my patience is being severely tried in these days of being mostly bed-bound. A wheel-chair arrived last night though, so at least I got some fresh air when Greg took me out for a spin on the frozen canal! I will remember you when I'm getting impatient.
I'm not sure how to exchange private addresses on a public blog, but I'll get J to try the 'subscribe by email' and see if that passes her info on to you.
I expect things'll be pretty busy at the moment, but hopefully you two can be in touch soon.
Blessings and bon courage to you & yours,
Kirstin