Around Thanksgiving last year, Al was rushed to the hospital with intense pain in his abdomen. Doctors discovered that, among other things, he had dangerous blood clots in his lungs and internal bleeding. He had to take a two-month absence from his work.
Earlier this month, Al returned to NBC, and Nightly News anchor Lester Holt interviewed him. I watched part of it and was interested to see aspects of resilience, our message theme during this first part of the New Year, surface in a strong way as integral to his recovery.
"What I've come away with is an abject sense of gratitude," Al said during the interview. He was grateful for the medical team, his wife and family, his extended family of colleagues at NBC, and all his many fans. He said he could feel all the prayers and well wishes. His family was there for him, but he could sense, "that everyone else was holding us up as well."
He's having to change some things as part of a thorough and lasting recovery. Diet, exercise, physical therapy, different decisions, attitude, it all plays a part in moving in a healthy direction. He got a bit philosophical as he said, "At this time of year (I think the interview was January 7), there is a sense of rebirth and renewal. Everyone is getting a fresh start." And then he said, "This is my fresh start!"
My prayer for each of you is that this time of year and our emphasis on resilience will inspire you to a fresh start - whether it be in facing and overcoming something that has happened to you, bouncing back from something negative and destructive, and/or renewing your spiritual life and relationship with God, which is the firm foundation on which all resilience rests.
Grace and Hope to you,
Pastor Duane
