Stuff happens... and sometimes good stuff happens.

In my last post, I shared what was going on with my father.I've received many kind and wise and gentle responses, but here's one that touched my heart especially. And as I read it, it occurs to me that these words express something I'd hope and pray would come true for you, too:

Will be thinking about you and praying for you and your father.


May God send you continued strength and knowledge of his presence with you. May he send good memories of good moments spent together. May he remind you how dearly you are loved--by God, by your father, by your family, by your friends. May he give you the strength to allow help when you need it. May he give you tears to cry, and smiles to wipe them away. May you know that he knows exactly how you are feeling. May you rest in his peace. The peace that doesn't come from knowing no sorrow or fear, but comes instead from having lived life, seen the occasional injustice in life, and yet embraced the amazing love of God through those hard moments. God is good. You are loved. and there is peace for both you and your father. Not sure what that will look like yet---as you said there are so many possibilities of outcomes. But God knows and his plans are greater and better than those we make on our own.

And now for the good news:

Dad's surgery went well. "Stuff" can still happen, but there is reason to be hopeful. And for this, I am thankful.

And for your prayers, I am thankful.

May God grant each of you a happy - and healthy - new year.