You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me. (Psalm 139: 1-5).
I sit. I wait. I watch. I listen. I wonder. I worry. I despair. I pray. I hope. I sit…
This has been my holding pattern as my family and I visit at my father’s hospital bedside. There has been a myriad of emotions, thoughts, memories, hopes, and dreams running through my mind and heart. I do not know the outcome; I have no control. The doctors have said, “One day at a time.” That is what God gives us – one day at a time. And, in that, we stand on all the promises given us in Jesus.
I share this today because I know that many of us have been in this situation, are in it, or will be. I have taken great comfort in knowing that others have tread this path, as well as those who walk with me.
I have also been so terribly grateful:
- the ease of the pandemic restrictions has allowed me to sit at my father’s side
- medical personnel work so diligently towards my father’s health and the health of others
- the connection of family, friends, and United Methodist colleagues that have and continue to surround us in prayer
- love – taught, shown, given, and received
- God, Who walks with us and is the Great Comforter and Healer.
- Scripture that reminds me of God’s glory – that God hems us in – surrounding us in our pain and joy.
Prayer: God of grace and love, we praise You for giving us hope when we feel hopeless, strength in our times of struggle, peace in our worry, and connection in our loneliness. As we journey through this life, may we be Your love: taught, shown, given, and received. In Jesus’ name. Amen.