“Discipline your children, and they will give you rest; they will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:17, NRSV).

     I recall the moment I drove away from the hospital following the birth of my first child. I was terrified. Resting comfortably in the car seat behind me was a little person for whom I was entirely responsible. Questions raced through my mind such as, “Do I have what it takes to be a good role model? Will I be capable of equipping my son for the future?” But the question that frightened me most was this: “Will my child grow up to hate me?”

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, NIV).

     Last Monday, the Middlesex County Library received a pair of long-overdue books. The books traveled by mail from a home in Ontario, Canada some 600 miles to the Massachusetts library. Officials report that the books are no longer in their system after being checked out about
seven years ago.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV).

     I recently had arthroscopic surgery. The surgeon skillfully repaired a torn meniscus on the interior portion of my left knee. I am amazed and grateful for the advances modern medicine continues making.

     Yet I recognize the value of my partnership in the healing process. The exercises prescribed by a physical therapist have proven invaluable to my recovery. The physician has done his work. It is up to me to do my part, as well.