Snark & Sensibility

PLEASE WELCOME

MARTIN WILES

TO

HAVING THE PRIME OF MY LIFE

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

James 1:2 NLT

Meme had to have ice. Little did she know what else she’d get.

Taking a rambunctious five-year-old anywhere is risky, but taking one to a hospital waiting room where they have nothing to do is dangerous. My brother had been in a serious vehicle accident the week before, and Mom wanted to go for a visit.

Prior to supper, our grandson did well. The iPad worked with the hospital’s Wi-Fi allowing him to play games. After supper, the iPad malfunctioned, and he had nothing to do but run around. Which he did. Around and around the lone table in the center of the waiting room. Until he tripped over his feet and flew headfirst … or rather nose-first … into another piece of furniture.

Knowing his tendency to overreact, I didn’t worry so much when he screamed. Meme went to the rescue and saw blood. I went to the bathroom for paper towels. The bleeding was minor and stopped within minutes. When a little swelling appeared, Meme thought we needed ice.

My wife went to a nearby nurses’ desk for ice. They gave it, but also wanted to know what happened. Within minutes, a nurse approached us in the waiting room, wanting to know what happened and to see if our grandson was okay. Then, she reported the accident to her nurse supervisor, who also came and checked. She was accompanied by a hospital policeman who wrote up a report. A hospital security person, who took a picture of the “accident” scene, followed them.

Although we appreciated their concern, we thought the reaction a little extreme for a minor bump. I had no problem finding humor in the situation.

This trial was minor when compared to many I’ve faced—many of which I have struggled to find joy in—but it still did what trials do: confirmed identity (Romans 8:29). When we explained what had happened to the nurse and policeman, they had no problem believing our story or that our grandson was five years old. He did what most five-year-old boys do: run, play, and roughhouse.

Jesus faced trials and said His followers would too. Being conformed to the image of Christ requires going through trials. In spite of their uncomfortableness, they let us … and others … know we belong to God.

When the trials come, just remember they are confirming your identity.

ABOUT MARTIN WILES

Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, minister, and author who serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions and as a proof-editor for Courier Publishing. He is the author of six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Busy World, released in December 2019.

Social Media and Website

Website: http://www.lovelinesfromgod.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martinwilesgreenwoodsc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/linesfromgod

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-wiles-5a55b14a

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ABOUT A WHISPER IN THE WOODS

A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Noisy World was birthed from Martin Wiles' numerous treks with his two children and his middle brother in mountainous areas on the eastern coast of the United States. Through these hiking and camping experiences, God taught him valuable lessons that have seen him through many difficult life experiences.

Martin's weekly devotionals found in A Whisper in the Woods take the reader out of the noise that often accompanies living in this world and into the quiet escapades of wooded areas where the voice of God is more clearly heard.

As you walk with Martin through the mountain valleys and over the high summits, you too will hear God whisper words of comfort to you.

Buy links:

A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Noisy World https://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Woods-Quiet-Escapes-Noisy/dp/1620208652

Grits & Grace & God https://www.amazon.com/Grits-Grace-God-Heaven-Southern/dp/1645261379

Grits, Gumbo, and Going to Church https://www.amazon.com/Grits-Gumbo-Going-Church-Martin/dp/1798510375