May 27... POST SURGERY_#2_24 Days... Still no Voice:(

     The days and weeks are going by rather slowly. The nerve pain is finally gone and I have very little pain now. One thing I have learned from wearing this brace is that as the weather gets warmer, I get warmer under this brace (read sweat). I am getting used to sponge baths as well as a few showers a week (with brace on). Diane changes the liner after my shower and I get about 45 seconds of relief. Shaving is still impossible, so we will see what what my beard looks like at the end of eight weeks.
     I could tolerate the brace much easier if I could return to preaching. Not having a voice is difficult for someone like me, with the gift to gab. I have just a little idea of what Zechariah went through (Luke 1:19ff). There is so much I want to say, so many sermons running through my mind, and many notes on my computer. I will need a timer to make me stop preaching when I do get my voice back! I had truly hoped and prayed that I would be able to preach this coming Sunday (June 2nd), but that can no longer happen. From June 7-15, I will be in Grand Rapids, MI for the General Synod of the Christian Reformed Church NA. I was elected to go as a delegate back in September 2012. We tried to get either of the alternate delegates to take my place, but on such short notice, they were unable to attend. There is a good possibility that I will have enough of a voice by then to hold a conversation. The Lord willing, I will return to the pulpit on June 16.
    This has definitely been a test of my patient endurance. Am I done yet? Today I am able to squeak out a few words at a time in a very high pitch. Not enough words to carry on a conversation, just simple answers to questions. Whether Diane is at work or, in another part of the house or yard, we communicate by text messages. Pretty sad, eh?
     I lost one week of preaching after my first surgery and have lost five weeks (counting June 2nd) since my second surgery. For this reason, I have decided to give up one week of my Sea to Sea bike ride/vacation as a means of giving back to my church. They have been so patient and I am encouraged by their prayers and support. I will make up the 400+ miles by riding in WI and logging my rides and pictures here on my blog. I originally set out to ride from Grand Rapids, MI to Montreal, Canada. I will likely end my ride in Hamilton, Ontario instead. I hope and pray that I will be back to preaching soon and that this time of waiting will produce something beyond my current understanding. My faith remains strong, despite the setbacks and trials. Psalm 46:10 is that ever-present reminder that God is in charge of the present as well as the future. "Be still,and know that I am God"   Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement as I wait on the Lord's timing and purpose!