Dear Friend,

As you may know, I recently “went under the knife,” for a bilateral knee replacement. It certainly was the most expensive birthday gift I have ever bought myself. I am so thankful for the guided hands of the doctor who performed the surgery, the nurses and hospital staff who made my stay comfortable, the physical therapists who are helping me get back on my feet, my wife and children who have been amazing caregivers, and finally, all of you who sent emails, text messages, phone calls, and words of encouragement on my social media platforms.

I am doing very well, and I praise the Lord for that. Though I am looking forward to completing rehabilitation, this process of recovering from surgery gives me an opportunity to slow down, catch up on some reading I have wanted to accomplish, be still and listen for the Lord, and spend some special time with my best friend – my wife of forty-nine years – Barb.

I encourage you to carve out some time this summer to be still before the Lord and to be present in the lives of those you cherish. I pray that it will not take surgery to make this happen, but trust me, if you do not take this time and slow down, the Lord will help you find a way.