Pastor's Perspective - Vacation Inspiration

It’s good to be home! My family and I just returned from Thanksgiving vacation in central Florida where we spent ten wonderful days reconnecting with family and friends. We tried to see as many people as possible, but failed to get face-time with many we hoped to see. However, our time with those we could catch was rich, invigorating and inspiring. Let me elaborate on that inspiring part.

While in the Sunshine State we spent precious time with my mother, Sandy Stambaugh. It was her desire and goal to have the entire family near her this Thanksgiving. Mission accomplished! For those who don’t know, my mother has dealt with many medical challenges in recent months, including a series of small debilitating strokes. Despite her setbacks, she has inspired many in her tenacious quest to focus on what she still has, and not on what she has lost. Her warmth, Christ-like love and hospitality, despite her circumstances, continues to inspire her eldest son.

We also spent quality-time with my ‘father in the faith’, Paul Neal, and his dear wife Mary Frances. Paul, a retired minister, was and continues to be a mentor and wise seasoned adviser in my life and ministry. Due to a severe vein disorder in his legs, blood circulation is limited, causing immobility and chronic discomfort. Yet, when his inability to do what he once did was mentioned, this gallant servant of the Most High focused on the silver linings. He chooses not to lament on the chair he sits in for hours daily, but instead on the beautiful serene waterfront view God has given him from his recliner. His courage and attitude continues to inspire me as his Timothy.

Lastly, we were able to spend time with Carol Johnson, a treasured family friend for many years. Carol is currently battling stage four cancer. She has had a double mastectomy, radical abdominal surgery, and is receiving a strong regime of chemotherapy. Although she has lost her hair, she has not lost her faith in God, her hope in His amazing grace, or her sense of humor. Carol’s strong and brave assurance in the Father’s sovereignty and unconditional love for her, despite her diagnosis, moved Michelle and I to tears several times. Our desire to visit her while in Florida was to minister to her; yet God had other plans. We were the targets of His beautiful lesson on how to truly live and die in Christ. We parted not knowing if we’d ever see Carol again this side of Glory; but we left knowing that we would see each other again.

As my fellow readers, congregants and sojourners, please take a moment and lift up my mother, Paul and Carol in your prayers. Each inspired me immeasurably by their trust in the One who is trustworthy, despite the unanticipated chapters written in the books of our lives.

In closing, last Friday Carol gave Michelle and I a Christmas card and a letter. The card was a beautiful picture of her smiling (with hair!) standing ankle-deep in snow during a recent trip to Canada. Her letter stated, “This is such a special Christmas this year as I am still here!..I am savoring each and every day I have and so believe my journey is a special one, as I have been chosen for this very time. Just as the mother of Jesus was chosen to birth our Savior, so I have been chosen to continue His story of love, forgiveness, mercy, healing and salvation…It is my prayer that this Christmas we look deep within our hearts and just spill out all the love we have to all we meet, forgive old hurts and renew all relationships as we await our dear Savior’s return. I believe it won’t be long!”

Merry Christmas!

In the Fight,

Steve