Norfords' Ramblings

Thursday May 21, 2009

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16

This past week or so has been a time of some feverish activity. Book selling and promotion has been at the top of the list, but both Ann and I have also been checking on our health. Ann’s foot is still not comfortable some six weeks after the operation to remove a bunion. She has checked with the surgeon, and he says to bathe the foot frequently, but it is doing OK. I have also been back to my surgeon who pointed out that I am now a cancer patient and there will be three monthly check ups to ensure I am clear after surgery. While the tests were clear, there is always a possibility of cancer returning.

As a result, we are tired most of the time and being in our early 70s doesn’t help! In addition, our garden has not had the attention it needs, although the weather has been cool and damp—enough to slow things down and wait for us! Today we have a book signing at the university bookstore, and two more signings at local bookstores at the weekend and at our church next month. We have out of town signings at the end of the month and in July we will be at the west coast for a conference and are currently working with more bookstores there. All this in addition to constant emails and book deliveries to stores and purchasers.

But in all this we are warm and well fed. I am in danger of putting back on the ten pounds I lost during surgery! It is easy in the busyness of life to forget those who are not so fortunate. But, as James reminds us, the test of our Christianity is not only in our attitude to those in need, but in our action toward them, and somehow that must be fitted into our personal set of priorities. Ann constantly reminds me of someone who needs some of our time, and I am too ready with meaningful excuses! To be meaningful, life must be full, but we need to measure those things that we fill it with.