Pastor Pusch

Dickens wrote, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times… it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness… it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…”

It seems that over the last year my family has experienced both sides of the emotional, mental, and physical spectrum that Dickens penned in the opening line of his classic title  A Tale of Two Cities. However, to bring the last 12 months to summation, I would have to say, we experienced the greatest of times showered only by the grace of God.

June 2009 proved to be a trying time in our family as we had to take our daughter Jovie in for surgery to repair her cleft palate. While Jovie was clueless to the situation, Rena and I were charting new and unexpected territory. This was perhaps the most difficult process to endure. We had complete confidence in Jovie’e care, but it was still my little baby girl who had to suffer. I cannot even begin to tell you how much joy and happiness Jovie Madelyn has brought to our home. We released Jovie into the arms of the surgeon with indescribable feelings swinging back and forth between hope and despair. Today, Jovie is doing extremely well and has not experienced any further problems. Grace.

July 2009 we learned that Jovie was going to be a big sister. Overall we were excited about receiving another gift of God, but it would be a complete lie if I told you that we did not experience feelings of another kind as we wondered whether or not we were ready for child number 2 after all we have experienced with number 1. Today, we are within 6 weeks of delivery, and words would fail to describe the great anticipation we feel as we wait for the arrival of Jovie’s little sister. Grace.

September 2009 taught us unforgettable lessons. Two seizures landed me in the hospital for a series of tests that brought forth darkening results. After reviewing the results, doctors wasted no time scheduling surgery. After surgery, recovery was a challenge. From anxiety to full mental breakdown, I experienced everything in between. Thankfully I have been taken off the medications that caused such instability. The pathology reports all came back the same week of surgery. Today, all is well. What was thought to be a low grade brain tumor with malignant activity is no longer. I am taking 1 medication with little to no side effects (for only 6 more months) and to this day all of my scans have come back clean and clear. A miracle for sure. Grace.

It is not like we have not seen God’s hand at work in our lives before, it just 2009 has been a year like none other. Words fail to describe how grateful we are as a family. God continues to mold us and shape us. He has given us new perspective and we enter 2010 with great anticipation thankful for all that He has done and will continue to do. While 2009 brought with it great trials and heartache, I can say for me, it was indeed the “best of times.” Grace.

“And the God of all grace…will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:10-11

Blessings,
PastorPusch

This morning my friend Jake came by my office for a little chat. It didn’t last long, but I always enjoy our conversations whether big or small. Jake and his wife just bought a new home and we were talking about the “joys” of painting, especially when you involve darker colors. I am really excited for these two. They are a great couple!

During the course of our quick conversation, the subject of marriage and family came up. Jake took notice of the several new pictures I have in my office of my daughter, Jovie, who just turn 1 year last week (they are great pics by the way). Jake told me he looks forward to fatherhood one day, to which I responded, “There’s nothing like it.” I shared briefly about the joy that comes with having a child.

So, what’s the point? I just got to thinking…

In the middle of all this we both said in agreement that we hate it when, in the context of getting married or having children, people say things like, “things will never be the same”, “you’re really in for it”, or “getting married/having a baby will change your life.”

No doubt marriage brings about life-change as does having children. I have experienced both and my life hasn’t been the same since. Life is longer what it used to be when I was single or without a child. This is what I call a “duh statement.” It happens. It’s called marriage. It’s called children. It’s called life. The problem I have with these “Captains of Obvious Observation” is that they say it with such negative connotations. It is as if they are saying all marriage brings with it is doom and gloom; bondage to the ”ole ball and chain”, or that having children is some kind of curse.

I realize that some people say those things in jest. I get that. I am not talking about those people. I am not referring to those whose marriages are on the rocks or have ultimately failed. That’s serious. There are real problems out there. I am simply referring to those who just have a negative spin on life. Rather than enjoying life, its as if they take pleasure in finding the negative aspect in all things related. That’s what bothers me. It’s a real downer. Life isn’t always fair. It’s not always a bed of roses. Life has its ups and downs; twists and turns. That’s life. It’s a roller coaster ride. I do know that I have a wife and daughter who love me (whom I am also crazy about) and a Heavenly Father who cares for me and is mindful of my every need.

Just thinking is all…this one happens to be out loud.