Never Waste an Ambulance Ride
I have been preaching the Bible and teaching Theology for almost 45 years and last Sunday morning I had a first time and I hope last time event. I fainted in the middle of my message...right onto the podium and on to the floor. Fortunately, a friend of mine on the front row, a former EMT, saw the glazed look in my eyes and knew what was about to happen and caught me to break my fall so I did not break my neck. I was only out a few seconds and then I awakened to the smiling faces of my friends and my worried wife. Of course, church policy and protocol is to call 911.
So, off I go in the ambulance to the hospital to be rehydrated. The nurse informed me that since I was "at that age" (talk about adding insult to injury...) I needed an EKG and some bloodwork just to make sure I was okay. I was, and 2 hours later I was home. MORAL TO THE STORY: Drink fluids when you have the intestinal flu. I did not, and mine is the cautionary tale.
Always looking for the upside; two wonderful things came about through my event.
- First, I used the opportunity of being the "pathetic patient" or the "passing-out pastor" to ask a paramedic and two nurses about Jesus. Smiles all around! Two of them were looking for churches so I gave them some recommendations!
- Second, I was reminded that friends and family are very important. To have so many people praying, calling, texting, even bring some actual chicken noodle soup reminds me of the words of W.H Auden - "We must love one another or die."
Serving Him with you
Until He comes for us,
Fred