"When the Heat Comes"

(Wednesday, March 3, 2010)

"When the Heat Comes"

Update from Emily:

I just got off the phone with my mom. She asked me if I would mind updating the blog. "Of course not!" I replied. "Is there anything in particular that you would like for me to share?" We were both silent for awhile. It has been a long two days in the life of our family. Yesterday afternoon we received word that our neighbor of 23 years, Mr. Port had passed away.

Earlier this week, I went to visit Mr. Port and his wife, Jay. I knocked lightly and the hospice nurse opened the door.

"Hi." I said. "Is Grandma Jay at home?" I asked while standing on the front porch holding my three-year-old's hand.

The nurse got a huge grin on her face. "Oh, you must be family!"

"Well, actually," I replied, "we are really neighbors and have been for 23 years..." and then I stopped. "Actually, yes, can you tell Grandma Jay that her family is here." Little did I imagine that my short time with Port this week would be my last. Please pray for this extension of our family this week as they grieve.

My mom also received word this morning that her Aunt Marcelle, another beloved family member, passed away in her sleep last night. I know that Mom longs to go to South Carolina during this time to be with her family, but we also know that she is needed exactly where she is - right by my dad's side.

Dad is at his low point. We are hoping that this will be the lowest of the low. While reading Jeremiah this morning, I was reminded of both Mom and Dad.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

When the heat comes... We have definitely had a season of intense heat this past year. I am honored to watch both my mom and dad as they stand under this time of difficulty. In my opinion, they continue to bear much fruit! Yesterday, Dad was feeling well enough to walk the corridor of his hospital wing. As we walked, I noticed the demeanor change on several nurses' faces. "Mr. Bugg," they would say with wide grins. "So good to see you today!"

I met one nurse for the first time. "We love your parents." She said. "They are really great people." Fruit. Bearing fruit even in the midst of heat. Hopefully reflecting Christ in the midst of very difficult situations.

Please continue to pray for both Mom and Dad as they try to reflect Christ to all they meet.