In the hands of a gracious God

Yesterday was a good day. I actually ate some real food. I got some little projects done for the wedding. I have been making friends with my new oxygen concentrator, which helps. The cat doesn't like it, because it is loud, but it helps me rest better when I lie down. I stayed up way past my usual bedtime and talked to the girls. Our pastor brought our story before the congregation last Sunday, and the prayer that rose up from our faithful people is part of the yesterday's gift of a day. The presence of concentrated oxygen is part of the gift, the new steroid medication starting to work is part of the gift. Secular or sacred, the combined power of science and prayer brought us into the center of a good day, which is the center of God's gracious hands. We cannot hold on to it as if is were our own for all time, it is simply a touch that reminds us that we are not alone in this big world. We sail a sea of troubles, and see calm days and storms. We should never forget that that is God's grace too, because each rolling wave brings us closer to understanding each other and Him, if we pay attention. Thanks to all who pray for us, it is felt and it is appreciated. Thanks to those whose serve us medically, as well. It is all God's work, playing out in our days, caring for us in the ways we need it most.

A Perfect Marriage

My daughter is getting married in a few weeks. In discussion with friends, I told them I thought we had a perfect marriage. I have done a lot of thinking about this, since I have time to do that and I wanted to write something thoughtful in her wedding book. I think of a marriage as a framework for two very imperfect people to use to interact with each other on a daily basis. Kind of like a freeway, or a go kart track, if you will. There are rules to follow, lights to be obeyed, give and take, tight turns and breezy straightaways. This framework, when properly and carefully applied, allows both people to grow into the people they were meant to be, allows for successful child rearing, career growing, personal and spiritual growth. If the rules are applied equally, then each partner will take their turn with the responsibilities specific to them, and neither will be doing all the driving. This framework takes years to build and master, but as it it mastered it becomes more and more important. For each challenge that comes, both imperfect people remember what worked and what didn't and will remember that tight turn and that curve and do what is necessary to successfully complete it. A marriage's goal is to get two people, and their little ones, from the beginning of a life together to the end. It is possible to do it well, evenly perfectly.