The Second Time Around

Thirty-eight years ago, Kim and I were blessed with our first child, Katie.  Her birth was the beginning of an adventure that brought two more kids (Jim, and Carrie). Bearing children was an honor, but it is also a sacrifice. Honestly, the greatest sacrifice was Kim’s, since she is the one who went through the pregnancies. Though there were changes, and sacrifices we were honored to give our firstborn life.

Thirty-eight years have passed, and now we are faced with a new sacrifice and the honor of giving our daughter life all over again. Katie’s kidneys have been totally destroyed by disease (a disease which seems to have manifested itself when she was pregnant with her own daughter). Now on Peritoneal dialysis, Katie needs a new kidney, and I have been found to be a very good match.

In December, I will undergo surgery to give my right kidney to my daughter. They are taking the right one because my left one has already been moved around in a previous surgery, leaving it encased in scar tissue. A new kidney will allow Katie to continue to live a full life as Daughter, Wife, Mother, Special Education Teacher, and Friend. This gift will, in essence, will be our chance to give her life for a second time. The big difference this time is that our sacrifice of love will have the greatest affect on me.

The other day, after I had officially been named her donor, I found myself humming a familiar tune. How it ended up in my head, I don’t know, but I was humming it nonetheless. The tune was, The Second Time Around.

Love is lovelier
The second time around
Just as wonderful
With both feet on the ground

While the song was written about love found, lost, then found again, I recognize it as the honor of giving Katie life the second time around. To me, the sacrifice is just as wonderful the second time around. I am going into this surgery with both feet on the ground having full knowledge of the changes, and risks. It is just an honor to have the ability to give my daughter life for the second time.

If you could give your child life a second time, would you do it? If so, then you understand why I feel so honored to be able to make this commitment. Living Kidney Donor programs are changing the face of kidney disease. I urge you to research the possibilities of giving a life-changing organ to someone in need.

Here is one link:

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/kidney-transplant-program.html

Overseers

            When Marla’s dog had puppies, Kristy was one of the first in line to adopt one of the cute little Lab’s.  Chase has lived with Kristy and Joe for several years.  The household has gone through several changes during those years.  Chase adapted to the birth of one son.  Then came another son.  Chase has assumed the role of raising the boys.  But his job is much greater than just the boys.  The family of four is also a part of a much larger family group, all with kids.

            While this may be a problem for other dogs, it is a blessing for Chase.  If you in could interpret his bark, he would likely be saying, “Bring it on.”  He has become an overseer for the boys, and all of their cousins, and friends.  Chase is a protector, an encourager, and a shepherd.

             1 Timothy 3:1 says, “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do”.  In every congregation are a group of volunteers, who have made the commitment to become overseers of the flock.  They are the ones who look at the people coming through the doors and say, “Bring it on!”  They are the ones who take seriously the words from Acts.  “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

            The overseers of your church deserve respect.  They invest countless hours in the work of the church.  Rarely do they receive recognition for what they do.  Their sacrifice means less time for family, nights away from home, and responsibilities on weekends while others get to attend services and go home.  At times they must take Biblical stances, and make crucial decisions that add stress to their own lives, but they do it willingly because they have accepted the job of overseer.  They also invest their time caring for those who cannot care for themselves.  “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27).

            When was the last time you sought out one of the elders of your church, and thanked them for the fine work they do?  Honor has benefits for the overseer, and it has benefits for you.  Following the leadership of someone you do not honor is much more difficult.  Placing your trust in those who do the good work helps you follow their leadership.  It also pleases God.