October 29, 2012 (Monday)
I missed church yesterday. “Down in my knee” is my excuse. Been bothering me for a couple of weeks, but flared up during Saturday night. Actually this is a problem I’ve had off and on for many years. At first it was diagnosed as Gout, but later a different doctor told me it was “Pseudo-Gout.” An orthopedic specialist just gave me some steroids and never told me what he thought the problem was. It hurts the same whatever the cause. Has not bothered me at all for several years, but showed up again yesterday. “Oh, goody,” I thought, “I get to use my cane–the one I bought for one dollar at a real dollar store in Houston, not far from the church I served up there for a few years.” In years long since passed, I was forced even to use crutches for a few days. Not this time.
I’ve gone to church and preached sermons when feeling worse. But yesterday I had no responsibilities like preaching or teaching, etc. to make me want to pretend I felt great. I could have gone, I suppose, but I’ve discovered that people in the pews are distracted by moaning and groaning, and not the least bit sympathetic with those who disturb the peace.
The loss was all mine. I missed the Sunday School class and the worship service. I missed the reading of the Scriptures and the exhortation of the applications suggested by the pastor. I missed the sweet fellowship with people who know and love the Lord, who love me and give me the privilege and honor of loving them back.
I saw a few worship services on television, but, as we used to say, that’s sort of like “kissing your girlfriend through a screen door.” It’s nice, but it’s not the same thing as the real thing.
Perhaps some are reading this who never go to church. I don’t think you know what you’re missing. I found out yesterday.