Even in the middle of hospital rooms, procedures, and medical decisions, God continues to reveal His grace in quiet and unexpected ways. Admittedly, even in pain, I did not want to come back to the hospital. My wise wife called and they said, “Come now.”

After triage and several “clicks” of morphine, I was grateful. Our son, Ben sat by my side all day and night, refusing to leave even for a meal. His big hand resting on me in prayer brought peace into pain. Saturday, I slept most of the day.

Sunday morning I watched Chris and Rachel present their Window on the World at Stone Edge Church in Macon, Georgia. They looked so good on stage, and their presentation was excellent. Although, Papa thinks, their Bear should have been part of the presentation. It was a joy to see them serving together with confidence and grace.

Later in the afternoon Becky, Ben, and Aimee came to spend time with me. We talked and laughed together. Aimee sat at the foot of the bed on my right, Ben in a chair nearby, and Becky beside me. After a while Becky came and lay down beside me while Ben took the chair. They stayed with me chatting and laughing, until I finally suggested it was time for them to head home. Their presence was a reminder that sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is simply being there.

A’myre, an aide, stopped in to say goodbye before her days off. She said she had really enjoyed our conversations.

Joelle, a nurse, asked about our church and shared that she attends an Assemblies of God church in Ann Arbor. When I asked who her pastor was, she said Bill Peppard and told me he was the best pastor she had ever had. I sent Bill her photo with a quick note, and he was glad to hear from me. Moments like that remind me how small and connected the family of God can be.

Friends, called to pray with me. I hope they know how helpful their prayers are. God answers our prayers!

The night nurse, Shannon was especially kind. She sat and talked with me about their move from Ypsilanti to Pinckney, about her family’s trip to Disney, and about running the Disney marathon. Conversations make a hospital feel less clinical and more human. People need people.

Medically, the plan is to place a stent rather than remove the gallbladder right now. Part of me would like to have it removed and be done with it. But at this point it does not seem wise to risk disturbing the last surgical site. Sometimes faith requires patience as much as courage.

As I look back on the day, I see again how God’s grace often arrives through people—family members who sit quietly with us, nurses who take time to talk, friends who call to check in, and even unexpected connections in conversation.

In moments like these, prayer and thanksgiving are our natural response.

Pray with me.

Gracious Father, thank You for surrounding me with Your care through the kindness of others. Give me patience in this season of healing, wisdom in the decisions ahead, and a grateful heart that recognizes Your presence in every small moment of grace. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.