“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – Joshua 1:9

The difficult thing about discouragement is how it wheedles its way in, and how it tries to make itself at home. Allow a foothold, and discouragement has this insidious way of replicating itself. I say this not to be a downer so much as offering an observation that this morning, beginning “day three” here at the hospital, feels tedious and dispiriting.

The short summary news is that, rather than heading home to heal, we’re stuck right here. We’re in this holding pattern because the post surgical swelling has made it close to impossible for Rebekah to swallow. Consequently there’s a lot of pain, and no eating, and they can’t release her until the therapist gives his okay.

So it’s easy to feel discouraged. But then I remember that this is what faith is about. Faith isn’t about God making our lives easy because we pray the right prayers; faith is about God being with us, regardless, giving us strength and courage, filling us with hope, marking us with promise.

Faith isn’t about God making our lives easy because we pray the right prayers; faith is about God being with us, regardless, giving us strength and courage, filling us with hope, marking us with promise.

Then of course sometimes you get a “Facetime” call from the three-year-old granddaughter. Beks is a huge bundle of light and energy, constantly spilling over with ebullience and verve, and she loves her grand-mama Rebekah so much. It reminds me that we are also called to be encouragers  for another, and that the light of Christ shines through us in so many creative ways.

So, day three at the hospital isn’t good news, and of course we’re frustrated and disappointed. But we are approaching this – or at least trying our very best to – as children of promise and light. There is no such thing as a day that is not ordained and blessed by God. Sometimes that knowledge has to be enough.

Peace, and healing – DEREK