Thoughts from your Regional Minister
By: Steve Martin
I’m recently responding to folks with “Yes, I am back!” Yes, the 100-day adventure in Omaha’s medical world ended on January 23. Yes, it was rough. Yet, we believe it did the trick and I am gaining strength and soon my endurance will return, too. I will have weekly check-ups, sometimes in Omaha but hopefully in Topeka as well. How amazing is the work of the medical professionals!
Looking back on the past few months has helped me to gain a new respect for the small things which we often take for granted. The beauty of nature, and the wonders of family/friends who enrich our lives, and the list goes on and on. I recently found some writings by Norann Voll who reflects on gratitude.
Gratitude, celebration, giving thanks – even for the smallest of gifts – became a new way of living for me, a kind of oxygen I couldn’t get enough of, a transformative way of being.
~Norann Voll
Without a doubt, we each have our challenges and tragedies to live through. There are illnesses which just won’t go away. There are the realities of what our living costs us, and often bank accounts which limit our abilities to do more. There are relationships which are continually a challenge.
All of these and more can leave one in a dark tunnel – yet, as Ms. Voll shared, giving thanks for the blessings we have is like “a kind of oxygen.”
My gratitude list is growing, I promise you that. There is not space to thank so many who covered during my absence, including our dedicated staff. Cards and prayers and notes of support were all greatly appreciated!
I also want to promise you that the medical leave has given me a chance to reevaluate the work I do. The Kansas Region is a tremendous resource of people and opportunities to help bring God’s light to this world. God bless you each as we serve together in the name of Christ.