Yesterday was a very cold day (here in Texas for us) and the day was miserable with high winds, cold wind chill and downright freezing rain. My husband the Bishop - who is a real Bishop with many responsibilities of physical labor caring for the nations in shipping goods around the world worked outside all day long. His hands of ministry touch untold masses of people in loving care feeding, clothing, and supporting humanity with the practical Gospel message of salvation in action.
I am reminded of the verse of scripture many times when he comes home exhausted..... Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
Every day I watch my precious husband do this - over and over, thousands and thousands of times looking out and providing goods and finances for strangers here and around the world, and church members who never know that it's by his labor that they are able to set in a beautiful church and be provided for year after year. Friends who sometimes overuse his generous heart. All in all, he is a modern day saint actively working the works of Love.
When he finally got home - he was so chilled to the bone, his body temperature was below normal! The first thing was to get him in a steaming hot bath and turn the heat up in the house. It only helped slightly. Then wrap him up in warm clothing and he set in a chair with a blanket around him for hours. I fed him a hot bowl of Chili - trying to get him to thaw out! I think it took 3-4 hours before his temp became normal again.
This reminds me of the horrors of our years of work in Illinois in the bitter cold - I never hope to do that again! And I know he was reminded all day long too!
Even Missy had to wear a sweater to get out in this mess. Thankfully things will warm up soon - but the chill is enough for just one day!
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