needing repair

When I was in at the hospital the other day (it must have been the first day Mum was in), I saw a sign on a bed across the floor.

It said simply, 'Needing repair - do not use'.

Which was interesting. Given that there was someone in the bed!

Though it crossed my mind that the sign was maybe referring not to the bed but to the person in the bed! Possible, I suppose. But unlikely!

I figured the bed was having to be used simply because of the pressure there was for care. Not ideal, to have to use a bed that's needing repair. But then we don't really live in an ideal world and sometimes that's just what you have to do.

From time to time we feel like that ourselves. Needing repair - but nonetheless continuing much as ever. Necessity demands it in a far from ideal world.

Saturdays, for me, perhaps reflect at least a hint of just that truth.

We, each of us, we do need that repair. A busy, full, demanding week will take its toll. The one day off the Bible urges on us all has that in mind. We need the rest, a chance to be restored, refreshed, renewed.

We need time out. Repair.

And yet it doesn't always work out quite like that! I guess I had a bit of that today.

The prayer and then the breakfast at the halls to start the day was something of the sort.

But mostly it was more of the same that the last few days have held. Up at the hospital through the afterrnoon to be with Mum. Then down at the halls at night to do some preparation for a Sunday which has come round rather fast!

I smiled at the thought of the sign on the bed. A picture of myself. Needing repair - but nonetheless still fit for use. At least I hope I am!