Yes, the thing that connected us is the thing that we possibly both despise the most in our lives...but at the same time, has brought much "fullness" to our days.
How is this?
Jesus.
I realize that this fullness was here for the taking, pre-cancer. But, ashamedly, rarely wore these eternal perspective glasses. And now, what a gift, to be forced to wear them, otherwise finding myself stumbling around, looking down, because that's the only thing I could see. It's so, so, SO much more clear with these things on people! I had such a good talk with my boys yesterday day in the car that I am pretty sure would not have happened if my health was not uncertain. About this world being our temporary home, if & why parents get remarried, and tumor marker numbers...pretty sure I did not have this conversation when I was 8 or 11.
God is so good.
He comforts.
Yesterday's reading in, Streams in the Desert, was sooo appropriate. (Okay, I say that about every reading).
Blessed are those whose strength is in you...As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs. (Psalm 84:5-6)
Comfort is not given to us when we are lighthearted and cheerful. We must travel the depths of emotion in order to experience comfort - one of God's most precious gifts. And then we must be prepared to become coworkers with Him.
When the shadows of night-needed night-gather over the garden of our souls, when leaves close up and flowers no longer reflect any sunlight within their folded petals, and when we experience even the thickest darkness, we must remember that we will never be found wanting and that the comforting drops of heavenly dew fall only after the sun has set.
"...so we'll follow wherever He leads us, Let the path be dreary or bright; For we've proved that our God can give comfort; Our God can give songs in the night."
Be encouraged.
He is comfort.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. II Corinthians 1:3-5
Thank you Jesus for your free flowing comfort.
