A Lost Day, or Was It?

Many years ago we knew a guy whose nickname was “Johnny Freshlegs.” He could run long distances and seemingly never tire. He still runs today, but occasionally now someone passes him on the trail or track.

Since we arrived in PNG, we have hit the ground running—taking part in every community activity, working long hours, visiting with others, buying and preparing food, doing laundry the old fashioned way, basically running one continuous marathon.

 

On Friday, June 6, (Saturday here) Julie’s mom went into the hospital in NJ for the second time since we left home. She is experiencing a racing heart, shortness of breath and general weakness. The doctors are very concerned about the condition of her heart. And since we are so far away, we are very concerned as well.

 

Julie spent most of Saturday night (daytime in NJ) up running between her computer and Jon's, checking and answering messages, posting updates, praying, and calling mom from the MagicJack unit that turns Jon's computer into a phone.

 

Meanwhile, Jon spent the night running to the bathroom with an intestinal bug.

 

This morning, Sunday, Jon was finally asleep. Julie called mom and she said she had had a good day.  Then Julie—having had very little sleep—got up, dressed for church, and started into her regular run of the day. But she was too tired and weak.  So church clothes and all, she returned to bed and slept for hours. In fact, both of us slept the day away.

 

So this was perhaps a lost day. We didn’t accomplish anything productive. Or did we?

 

In Psalm 46:10, the Lord tells us, “Be still and know that I Am God!” And Moses brought us these words from God: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day, you shall rest.”  We took a day of rest.

 

Tomorrow is a national holiday throughout the British Commonwealth and here in PNG. It is the Queen’s birthday—not really—but this is the day it is celebrated publicly.  So, we’ll sleep tonight and see what tomorrow brings. We may need another day of rest; but if we do, it won’t be a lost day.