“Loves Amazingly”
A few minutes ago I experienced a love so pure and kind that it’s not merely love actually. It is loves amazingly. The story really starts 6 days ago …
Like many men in their 50s or older I have an enlarged prostate. Its been an increasing problem over the past 5 years. In fact, twice I’ve experienced complete urinary retention. In laymans terms that means I couldnt urinate at all. The pain was so intense that, at that moment, I would’ve preferred death. Seriously.
After several less invasive procedures were unsuccessful, my urologist decided to partially remove my prostate. It’s a major operation in which an incision is made in the groin and the inner portion of the prostate is removed. The outer shell is left behind as it consists of nerve bundles that control important bodily functions.
My prostate was so large that the operation / recovery took almost 7 hours. I lost a lot of blood and was given a transfusion. Despite these complications, the operation was successful. My recovery period will last about 6 weeks. But the best part is I’ll no longer experience the frustration of urinating frequently, getting up numerous times each night, and other irritating symptoms.
It’s been said that a true friend is someone who’ll be there for you at 3:00 a.m. Im fortunate to have many of these people in my life. Over my 4-day hospital stay lots of friends called me or came to visit. Others contacted my children for a health update. Im grateful to God for the wonderful people Hes put in my life.
But nothing prepared me for my loves amazingly moment. I was watching TV when the doorbell rang. It was a van driver delivering a beautiful basket full of goodies. I opened the card to read the following words:
Dear Steve, Sending you warm and sunny wishes for a speedy recovery. Love, Willow Creek North Shore.
The basket was from my church. “Get well baskets” are commonly sent by a lot of churches. But my church has 2,000 attenders each week. Let me repeat – 2,000 people! I’m one person in a sea of faces. Yet my church took the time to send me a gift and wish me a speedy recovery. Moreover, the person who put it together took the time to find out my favorite candy, fruits, chips, and soft drinks. There is even a baseball in the basket since that’s my favorite sport. I’m overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness, compassion, and generosity.
I can promise you that very soon every single one of the “goodies” in the basket will be gone. But what will linger on is my gratitude for the church I attend – a church that loves amazingly.”
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
