When we were back in Uganda we spent a few hours one evening visiting the wife of a retired bishop. Our contact Milton was close to this family because as a young preacher back in the day the bishop had taken him and other young preachers under his wing and really mentored them. He told us that whenever he was in this area he made sure to stop by and see the family because they meant so much to him. This day we got to meet them too. The bishop was out doing some type of work, but we met his wife and some of his children and grandchildren.
While the bishop’s wife was gone getting dinner out for us, because when you are in any home in Africa you are served food, even if you just ate two minutes before. Milton told us that she had been in an accident about four years ago. Just after the bishop had retired and as the couple was preparing to enjoy the extra free time they had she was attacked by the bully they owned. She spent over a year in the hospital recovering. Her hips were broken and she was pretty much in constant pain. She told us later that evening more about the accident and how she was in pain all the time. She said that while in the hospital one day she prayed that the Lord would give her two minutes of rest from the pain. And she said that he did. So for two minutes she had relief and could relax a bit, but then the pain was back shortly. She told us that she was so thankful for that peace she was given. The Lord didn’t have to grant her request for those few moments but he did and she was thankful.
I sat and thought to myself if I would have the same reaction in such a time. Would I be thankful for the two minutes the Lord gave me, or would I be upset because the pain came back, or because I was in pain at all. I’m not sure I can say I’d say thanks for two minutes. I’m pretty sure I’d want more than that and forget to be grateful for the time I had been given.
This woman’s heart struck me and made me think twice about things the next time I wanted to complain.
