Bless your hearts if you’re checking in to see if I’ve fallen off the face of the earth. No, I haven’t. And, I haven’t given up the call to write about things I find most meaningful in this life. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m just caught up in a host of responsibilities that weren’t as present in the first couple of months after my diagnosis. Unfortunately, this has reduced the amount of time and energy I have to be quiet and reflective and to carve out extended periods to actually write. One of the great benefits of retiring is that, theoretically, we control our time. Well, that’s been only partially true, especially in the last several months leading up to Emmaus … which is this weekend for the men and the following weekend for the women. With the conclusion of Emmaus and my tenure as temporary staff at the church coming to a close in June, I get to re-retire!

Of course, knowing me, I’m not sure how long it will be until the next major focus area arrives on my doorstep. 🙂

So, some good news. Today, I scheduled my big long-awaited MRI. We’re set for Thursday, April 21 in the afternoon. It’s a little earlier than I think the doctor originally wanted but that date was open and I don’t want to turn it down. Please pray that it will show evidence of healing! I’ll write more before then, but I’d also appreciate prayers that I get through it ok. Many of you know about my intense claustrophobia stemming from being trapped 400 feet below the earth’s surface in that cave’s small dark tube (my only and last time spelunking!) …  the emergency MRI I had in January was 90 minutes long and very, very difficult, even with some meds. But, that’s a small price to pay for having access to terrific health care and I’m not worried, really.

The other good news on the physical front is that I’ve started exercising again, with no ill effects. Far from full throttle but enough to feel like I’m getting my strength and stamina back. It’s a strange sensation to have a serious illness but to not really feel the effect of it. Of course, we hope it’s indication of healing! On the other hand, my original symptoms were quite mild and it’s a wonder they found it. Curious, all the way around. Hopefully, the next few weeks will shed greater light on the whole thing.

Finally, I trust that next week, I’ll be able to return to writing. I appreciate your faithfulness in checking in.

Lord, you know that I know that each day is a gift. We sometimes say that casually. I trust I never do. Awhile back, I wrote about living on borrowed time. That’s never far from my conscious mind. Thank you for those gorgeous bright purplish flowers in our new garden today. Closed at night, they come to life in the light, reaching upwards. Thank you for those butterflies and hummingbirds that delight amidst the color and scent. Thank you for Diane and our boys, Ross and Lee, for our extended family and so many friends who really are family. Thank you for soft hearts that seek the good of others and thank you for filling us with gifts to do the work that needs to be done. We know there’s nothing we can do to earn your love or to lose it. Take that to the bank. It’s miraculous. Amen.