Sunday's Challenge

Sorry for the lack of updates this weekend, but as I have said before in John's case no news is certainly good news. Uncle John has continued to make baby steps through the weekend. His white count has come down (meaning no more infection), and his blood pressure has stabilized. A huge step for Uncle John was that he was able to tolerate a two and a half hour breathing trial. Although his emotional self did get a little agitated and tired, his body stayed strong. He is also back to interacting with his family. His favorite thing to do these days is to kiss his lovely wife on the hands....awe!

I think some of us are hesitant to trust that John's baby steps will last because a week ago today it seemed like his tiny progress was crushed in a matter of seconds as he was headed back to the operating room for his third surgery. If we have learned anything from this journey it should be that our trust should not lie his John alone or his positive steps towards recovery. If our trust lies in any one of these factors than we will surely be disappointed at some point during this journey. Our trust must lie in God. If we can truly lay our fears and hopes regarding John's recovery at His feet than we will all be lifted of a huge burden. We, John's family and friends, will no longer go through our day with constant anxiety that Uncle John's progress might be pushed back. If we keep our trust in God's plan for John than both small steps forward or backward will be seen simply as 'part of the bigger plan'. This is a hard concept to follow. I know I struggle with trusting God completely especially when something goes 'wrong' or goes differently than I had wanted. However, I also know the feeling of complete freedom of worry and fear when I am able to trust in Him. 

So today, I challenge all of you to place all of your fears regarding the long road that lies ahead for this wonderful man and family at God's feet. I also challenge all of you to lift your worries about your own future up to God. I strongly believe everything will work out in the end; whatever that may entail for this family, I know they are in good hands. Our prayers and our support are still very much needed, but our faith that God will walk beside Uncle John is more important. Our prayers will be heard even more when they are not covered in anxiety and lack of trust in the unknown. Let's continue to lift this family up in prayers and hope for a full recovery.  

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday with their loved ones!