I’ve never had issues with migraines or nightmares, but last night, I experienced a nightmare and a terrible headache.  I stayed up late to get some of the housework done with my wife, Sharon, who is still dealing with a case of bronchitis, and my mother, Martha, who is still recovering from surgery on her right hand. 

I experienced the worst and only nightmare I can remember for a very long time.  I will not go into detail, but I had to wake Sharon when I awakened to ensure she was alive.  I touched her hand while she was sleeping; it was warm, but she did not move.  So, I felt her face, and she stirred a bit, to my relief.  Yet, it was hard to return to my slumber.  Visions of the nightmare resurfaced in my conscious mind, and I tried to make sense and meaning of what I had experienced in my conscious state.  With all the lack of sleep, I rose to a massive headache that is lessening after a dose of Tylenol. 

But what happens when the terror is real?  I think and pray this morning for those in the mountains of our Western North Carolina, those in the Middle East on both sides of the Jordan River, and those in Ukraine, Russia, and all the Baltic States.  I pray for those who have experienced loss, illness, disease, hunger, and cold.  I pray for those who live in the nightmare and those for whom Tylenol offers no relief.

In these moments, I can only reflect and pray through the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-10

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. (Verse 4)
• Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)
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I pray for each of you that your dreams are pleasant, that your mind, heart, and bodies are free from pain, and that where they are not, may the Holy Spirit bring healing and health.

Peace,

Pastor Burt