Where Are We Without Hope?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"--Jeremiah 29:11


Earlier today I read a daily devotion that talked about hope. It took me back to when we first arrived in Indianapolis at University Hospital and I had a doctor ask me if I wanted them to do everything possible for Kurt. He tried to ask the question very delicately, and I could tell that he already knew the answer. My answer was, "Of course." Later he came back and spoke to me for awhile during the middle of the night while getting more signatures from me for blood transfusions. He talked about what all was being done. The word "hope" came up. I told him that hope and faith was all I had at that moment. He gently agreed that these were two important things to have indeed.

Now, as I watch Kurt prepare for the next phase of his life, I think about hope quite a lot. I find myself "hoping" that the call will come soon; I "hope" that he will stay well as he awaits the transplant. I know that, according to Jeremiah, that "hope and a future" is attainable for us all, no matter what the issue we confront. What I have also learned is that sometimes our narrow idea of "hope" is not nearly as expansive as God's. Jesus' "hope" for us in his death and resurrection emcompasses all of mankind. My daily affirmations of "hope" usually have pretty short measurement on the scale. Nevertheless, I know that God, through his beautiful Son, has given me and everyone else the opportunity to feel the refreshing feeling that hope can bring when we embrace it. 

I "hope" for all of you a blessed day...peace be with you.

Just the Right Words, Just When I Need Them

Philippians 4:6-7--"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Since Kurt's discharge from the hospital, I know he is in the best place on earth he could be. How many people can move into a welcoming, loving home with a built-in critical care nurse? We are indeed blessed.

Still, especially the first night or two, I would lie awake at night listening to Kurt cough, or stir in his sleep, or wonder if the oxygen was working correctly and oxygen saturation was strong enough. I felt very helpless, even surrounded by help.

Ann loaned me a daily devotion book that I would read to Kurt many mornings while he was in the hospital; the morning after one of my more awake than asleep nights, I picked up the book and read the devotion for that day. The first line was , "Do not worry about tomorrow!" I was instantly calmed. As I read through the devotion, the words I have read time and again in the Bible came to me in comforting waves.

I know I'm not in charge of this part of Kurt's journey--I'm here to be Mom. God has blessed us beyond words  in allowing us brilliant doctors, nurses, facilities, and now a warm and loving temporary home. Tom is able to make trips up to see us; Kurt and I can communicate with family members freely on the phone. He is in an environment that encourages improving health.

So...whenever those little pangs of anxiousness come knocking (and they still do), I go to these beautiful verses at the top of this blog and I rest...and thank God.

Peace be with you.