Tuesday 4th November
I have had some hearing problems lately. It all started when we flew back from the States, and my ears didnt seem to adjust properly to the pressure changes. Both ears were affected, but the right ear was worst, and I found myself struggling to hear what people were saying. A trip to the local surgery revealed that I needed to have my ears syringed. The first attempt made matters worse – I came out with no hearing at all in my right ear, and only a little in my left. I was told to use lots of oil, and to come back in a week. I got a little hearing back over the next few days, but the second attempt at syringing once again failed to improve matters. At the present moment, I am still almost deaf on my right side – and I have been told to wait for a call from my doctor. This is all a little worrying – deafness runs in my family, and I dont want to end up like my grandad! Anyway – I still hope that this problem will be sorted out soon, but in the meantime – forgive me if I have to ask you to keep repeating things!
Deafness is one of those “unseen” handicaps, which are often overlooked or treated with less than sympathy. We tend to be kinder to those with a disbility that we can see – something obvious like a limp, or a burn or a bruise. Other conditions – including deafness – are less obvious, and sometimes get treated with less than seriousness (I have had a bit of fun poked at me for being deaf – sorry, but its not my fault!) The truth is that we should always treat others with courtesy and kindness, whatever their condition. Maybe God is wanting to teach me a lesson about understanding others’ limitations? He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Holiday Club was brilliant – a very successful week, with great team-work and some really encouraging things happening. Well done to everyone involved! This week, we have our monthly Prayer Meeting on Wednesday at 8pm – such an important time to spend together before God. Please pray for the Deacons as they meet on Thursday evening. On Friday, a group of children from Salmestone School will be visiting our Church in the morning; and in the evening the Brigades will be holding their annual “Captain’s Crazy Challenge” evening at 6.30pm. On Saturday, I will be preaching at the wedding of one of the young people from Clacton – a girl I have known since she was five, and whom I baptised several years ago. All this makes me feel very old! Then on Sunday, our morning worship will be at 10.50am, so that we can include a time of quiet for Remembrance Sunday at 11am. Evening Worship will be at 6.30pm as usual – join us if you can!
Every Blessing, Stephen.
“Just when you learn to make the most of your life, most of your life is gone!”
