First, as I mentioned in a previous post, my husband and I celebrated our five year anniversary. It has reminded me that the Lord was not required to give him to me. My husband is a reflection of the goodness of the Lord because the Bible states that "Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17). Jacob is unfortunately one of the Lord's gifts that I most often take for granted so this reminder has been necessary for me.
Second, Sunday was Father's Day which has reminded me of the immense blessing my own father has been in my life. My Dad is one of the heroes of my faith. I look at his walk with the Lord and it pushes me to grow deeper in my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure because my father is a wonderful representation of the love of God. God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through the picture of a Father. For some people this imagery conjures up feelings of abandonment or anger because their early fathers were not invested in their lives. I have never had to deal with this struggle. My Dad found unique ways to connect to my siblings and me. He somehow managed to juggle work and his ministry at the church while still making our family essential. When I was in high school, I played two sports and acted in the play; yet, my Dad and Mom rarely missed a home game and came to my performances. They even traveled to some of my away games. Even though I am one of five kids and my Dad had a lot going on in his life, my parents made sure we each knew we were important to them. As I have gotten older, I have really come to understand how much of a blessing this was and how many people do not grow up with fathers like mine. I deeply love and respect my Dad.
Third, yesterday my sister Rachel received the results of her MRI. He doctors said that the chemo has shrunk her tumor some and they were really pleased with the results. It appears that the Lord is granting us some time with Rachel which is a huge blessing. In January, after Rachel's surgery to remove the tumor in her brain, she had several grand mal seizures and then was placed in a coma to keep the seizures from continuing. For a time, the doctors were not sure if she would wake up. I was at church when I received the news and I broke down bawling and said, "I just want some time." In that moment, I was unsure if I would ever have another conversation with my sister. The Lord has answered my prayers and generously allowed my family and me to have some precious time with Rachel.
Sometimes I genuinely struggle with having joy and hope. Sometimes I feel like the Lord is singling me out for pain and misery. But then the Lord grants me a week of remembrance. He provides a week that reminds me at every turn of His love and enduring faithfulness.
There is none like You
No one else can touch my heart like You do
I can search for all eternity long and find
There is none like You
Your mercy flows like a river wide
And healing comes in Your Name
And helpless children are safe in Your arms
There is none like You
Shane and Shane "There is None Like You"
Thank you.
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