Excuse me while I boast about another of my amazing grandchildren! My daughter told me yesterday her husband had received a call at work about their son, Reid, from his boss at his lifeguard job. “Your son is incredible,” the pool manager said. “He saved a boy's life today!” The sixteen-year-old has been working there since he took classes and was certified as a lifeguard earlier this spring.
“Really?” I exclaimed. “Tell me about it!” I found out that a group of youths were gathered around the high-diving board, all urging each other to dive off. Finally, a boy took the plunge. Cries of "He doesn't know how to swim!" filled the air, and Reid could see the 14-year-old splashing frantically in the water. The manager told how Reid had cannonballed into the water from his perch on the lifeguard stand, and as per his training, carried the flotation device to offer the victim. The boy struggled against Reid, so he had to be put on the tube. As Reid towed him in, the boy sputtered that he guess he should've learned how to swim before he jumped!
“We’re so proud of Reid!” the lady went on. “That boy would have drowned!” I haven’t congratulated my grandson yet, but I’m sure he would grin his shy grin, shrug it off and act as if it were all in a day’s work (despite his 13-year-old sister's report that his head has grown a little). His father worked for years as a protector of society in police work, and his mother has helped save countless lives in her nursing career, so he comes from a family tradition of bravery and service. No doubt he is experiencing something of the gratitude and gratification they must have felt that comes with helping others.
Our grandson, Kyle, 14, is making us grateful, too. He is spending his summer going on short trips ministering in youth camps, vacation Bible schools and special meetings with a team from his church. He plays the guitar, participates in skits, and helps in other ways. A conflict of schedules prevented his coming to see us with his parents, Trevor and Jennifer, just last week; his youth minister was depending on him, so Kyle didn’t let him down. (Thankfully, I had gotten a glimpse of him last month when we spent the night with them!)
There isn’t space to write of all our eighteen grandchildren, each wonderful gifts from God who regularly make us proud, as did (and do) their parents before them. Children are a heritage of the Lord, the Bible says. And Psalm 128:6 promises that (to everyone that fears the Lord and walks in His ways, v.1) “thou shalt see thy children’s children.” A blessing, indeed!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Childlike Faith
The other day someone wrote on face book that his 4-year old daughter asked him to read the story of the cross from a children’s Bible. Then he led her in a prayer of salvation. Since my granddaughter is about the same age, I wondered about the maturity of her spirituality. I know she loves church and singing in the worship and praise.
As if in answer to my thoughts, my phone rang yesterday and my son said, “Guess what Anne-Marie said to me!” I couldn’t imagine, since we’re constantly amazed at what comes out of her mouth. (Last week when she was visiting here from Houston, she said in their hotel room, “I miss Hooston. It’s the greatest planet on earth!”) Her father went on, “She said, ‘For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.’ ‘Romans 3:23!’”
I read once that one of the signs of a gifted child is an early interest in spiritual matters. Of course, what they are exposed to is an important factor. When God is the center of parents’ lives, it can’t help but rub off on the kids. Jesus said, “Suffer (allow) the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14.
Another time, Jesus called a little child to him and told his disciples, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. He says in verse 10, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”
Apparently, their guardian angels hold a place of high importance in Heaven. What does that say about the importance of parents and caretakers of our little ones here on earth? It is true that motherhood (or parenthood) is a high calling, indeed!
The disciples had been asking in verse one about who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus was teaching them to be childlike in simple trust and humble service as the way to greatness in the kingdom. He had harsh words for any who would offend or discourage a child, saying in verse 6 that it would be better for such a one to have a millstone tied around his neck and be drowned in the midst of the sea. Would that child offenders be punished that way today!
Jesus is also referring to childlike believers when he says “little ones.” In verses 11-13, he includes the lost as little ones who have gone astray. He says, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish,” Matthew 18:14.
In insuring our children’s salvation, it would seem that “the sooner, the better,” or as soon as understanding permits, should be the rule. That is the greatest gift of all!
As if in answer to my thoughts, my phone rang yesterday and my son said, “Guess what Anne-Marie said to me!” I couldn’t imagine, since we’re constantly amazed at what comes out of her mouth. (Last week when she was visiting here from Houston, she said in their hotel room, “I miss Hooston. It’s the greatest planet on earth!”) Her father went on, “She said, ‘For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.’ ‘Romans 3:23!’”
I read once that one of the signs of a gifted child is an early interest in spiritual matters. Of course, what they are exposed to is an important factor. When God is the center of parents’ lives, it can’t help but rub off on the kids. Jesus said, “Suffer (allow) the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14.
Another time, Jesus called a little child to him and told his disciples, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. He says in verse 10, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”
Apparently, their guardian angels hold a place of high importance in Heaven. What does that say about the importance of parents and caretakers of our little ones here on earth? It is true that motherhood (or parenthood) is a high calling, indeed!
The disciples had been asking in verse one about who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus was teaching them to be childlike in simple trust and humble service as the way to greatness in the kingdom. He had harsh words for any who would offend or discourage a child, saying in verse 6 that it would be better for such a one to have a millstone tied around his neck and be drowned in the midst of the sea. Would that child offenders be punished that way today!
Jesus is also referring to childlike believers when he says “little ones.” In verses 11-13, he includes the lost as little ones who have gone astray. He says, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish,” Matthew 18:14.
In insuring our children’s salvation, it would seem that “the sooner, the better,” or as soon as understanding permits, should be the rule. That is the greatest gift of all!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Don't Settle!
Hmm. My computer came on quickly and quietly today. Where was that awful humming and clattering I’d been enduring for the last few months? It began when a compact disc got stuck inside and couldn’t be removed by my husband or computer-savvy sons. So every time I turned on the computer, nothing would happen until the disc finished whirring and rattling, a seemingly interminable time, until it finally stopped and I could proceed.
I looked down and saw something protruding from the side of the computer. I touched it, and the disc slid easily into my hand! It had found it’s way out! Thank God, nothing was damaged, and I was spared a service expense. All of a sudden, my computer feels streamlined and efficient again, and I can work effortlessly and smoothly, unhindered by that major irritant.
Isn’t it funny how we learn to make do? Here I was, used to the inconvenience and making allowances for it, biding my time as patiently as possible every time I turned the computer on until I could get on line. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. I have a history of making-do and accommodating situations like this. For instance, once we moved into a new home, and my dryer was not hooked up for 8 months! I don’t remember why, now, but it was something to do with the connection, which was easily fixed when my husband got to it! Meanwhile, we just got used to going to the dryer at the Laundromat for a family of 5 children!
The next home we bought had a kitchen range in place, but as time went on, first one electric “eye” or burner would go out and then another, until I was finally cooking for our big family on one burner. It took a lot of juggling to get things done on time for supper! Worse than that, though, the oven eventually went out, too, so I improvised by making cakes and baked goods in the microwave for something like 8 years, if I remember right! And my husband managed an appliance store! (Finally, our married son, who had grown up with our inconveniences, bought us a new kitchen range one Christmas!) I guess I’m just not a complainer, or my husband was awfully busy.
I think too often we “settle”, even in matters of spirituality. I saw a teaching by Mark Chironna last night on television about faith and our ability in God. He said faith acts “as if”. As if something were already done or accomplished. He said God calls things that are not, as though they were, and He is our example. Then, in quoting the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he emphasized the first part of the verse as valid, that we can do all things, not to take away from the last part of the verse. It is his position that we share in God’s creativity.
No doubt that is true to a degree, and it is true that we should set our sights high and not underestimate ourselves. Something that is easy to see in hindsight, but not always when one is young and immature. At any rate, I’m glad my computer is working properly, and even at this late date, I’m realizing that we don’t have to be satisfied, either naturally or spiritually, with the status quo!
I looked down and saw something protruding from the side of the computer. I touched it, and the disc slid easily into my hand! It had found it’s way out! Thank God, nothing was damaged, and I was spared a service expense. All of a sudden, my computer feels streamlined and efficient again, and I can work effortlessly and smoothly, unhindered by that major irritant.
Isn’t it funny how we learn to make do? Here I was, used to the inconvenience and making allowances for it, biding my time as patiently as possible every time I turned the computer on until I could get on line. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. I have a history of making-do and accommodating situations like this. For instance, once we moved into a new home, and my dryer was not hooked up for 8 months! I don’t remember why, now, but it was something to do with the connection, which was easily fixed when my husband got to it! Meanwhile, we just got used to going to the dryer at the Laundromat for a family of 5 children!
The next home we bought had a kitchen range in place, but as time went on, first one electric “eye” or burner would go out and then another, until I was finally cooking for our big family on one burner. It took a lot of juggling to get things done on time for supper! Worse than that, though, the oven eventually went out, too, so I improvised by making cakes and baked goods in the microwave for something like 8 years, if I remember right! And my husband managed an appliance store! (Finally, our married son, who had grown up with our inconveniences, bought us a new kitchen range one Christmas!) I guess I’m just not a complainer, or my husband was awfully busy.
I think too often we “settle”, even in matters of spirituality. I saw a teaching by Mark Chironna last night on television about faith and our ability in God. He said faith acts “as if”. As if something were already done or accomplished. He said God calls things that are not, as though they were, and He is our example. Then, in quoting the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he emphasized the first part of the verse as valid, that we can do all things, not to take away from the last part of the verse. It is his position that we share in God’s creativity.
No doubt that is true to a degree, and it is true that we should set our sights high and not underestimate ourselves. Something that is easy to see in hindsight, but not always when one is young and immature. At any rate, I’m glad my computer is working properly, and even at this late date, I’m realizing that we don’t have to be satisfied, either naturally or spiritually, with the status quo!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Age is a State of Mind
What a way to celebrate my actual birthday! By going to the doctor and having my left leg put in a splint! I had been considering going for sometime, and then today as I talked to my son, Greg, he recommended a doctor who had fixed his carpal tunnel syndrome and it all worked out that I could be seen this afternoon.
After taking x-rays and doing the examination, the doctor said, “You’re tough! I’ve never seen that much swelling in bursae!” Well, I should have gone sooner, I admit, but I was just hoping my knee would get better on its own. I had strained it through over use in climbing stairs a couple of months ago. At least now I know I won’t need surgery, a possibility I was beginning to surmise.
The almost full-length splint is meant to keep my knee immobile, lessening strain and discomfort. I don’t have to wear it at night, though, so I took it off a little while ago, applied some ointment, then walked to the kitchen. Wow! I could really feel those muscles pulling, so it does make a difference, even if I do have to walk like a pirate! I’m to use ice three times a day, too. RICE is the treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. The splint does the compression, I found out.
The doctor had some very strong medicine compounded locally for me; the challenge is that I’m allergic to aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). It will be less likely to cause a reaction since it is applied topically, but when I read that some of the side effects are stroke and heart attack, I was wishing we hadn’t bought it. Think I’ll stick to the BLUE-EMU natural formula cream I have.
The Bible says our days shall be 70 years, and if by strength, 80. Today I turned 72, so I’m in bonus years, now. My older sister is 82, and that gives me hope of longevity. The nurse wanted a list of all my medications, but it wasn’t much of a list. Just allergy meds and Tylenol. I’m blessed with good health, and that’s a bonus. The x-rays showed no sign of arthritis, and that’s a bonus, too. I certainly had a bonus week-end, with out-of-town family visiting, a surprise birthday party, meals at both a fifties diner and a steak house, topped off by taking our guests to church with us, then serving them a home-cooked Sunday dinner. All with a bad knee! Maybe I am tough (for 72)!
After taking x-rays and doing the examination, the doctor said, “You’re tough! I’ve never seen that much swelling in bursae!” Well, I should have gone sooner, I admit, but I was just hoping my knee would get better on its own. I had strained it through over use in climbing stairs a couple of months ago. At least now I know I won’t need surgery, a possibility I was beginning to surmise.
The almost full-length splint is meant to keep my knee immobile, lessening strain and discomfort. I don’t have to wear it at night, though, so I took it off a little while ago, applied some ointment, then walked to the kitchen. Wow! I could really feel those muscles pulling, so it does make a difference, even if I do have to walk like a pirate! I’m to use ice three times a day, too. RICE is the treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. The splint does the compression, I found out.
The doctor had some very strong medicine compounded locally for me; the challenge is that I’m allergic to aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). It will be less likely to cause a reaction since it is applied topically, but when I read that some of the side effects are stroke and heart attack, I was wishing we hadn’t bought it. Think I’ll stick to the BLUE-EMU natural formula cream I have.
The Bible says our days shall be 70 years, and if by strength, 80. Today I turned 72, so I’m in bonus years, now. My older sister is 82, and that gives me hope of longevity. The nurse wanted a list of all my medications, but it wasn’t much of a list. Just allergy meds and Tylenol. I’m blessed with good health, and that’s a bonus. The x-rays showed no sign of arthritis, and that’s a bonus, too. I certainly had a bonus week-end, with out-of-town family visiting, a surprise birthday party, meals at both a fifties diner and a steak house, topped off by taking our guests to church with us, then serving them a home-cooked Sunday dinner. All with a bad knee! Maybe I am tough (for 72)!
Are You Sure?
“Mom, where is that old picture with me as a baby when we were at Disney World?” our son, Jamie, asked when he was here this week-end. To my puzzled look, he went on, “I see it every time I’m here. Where are your old photo albums?”
“Jamie, we didn’t take a picture like that at Disney World,” I insisted. “And I took all the album pictures and put them in boxes,” I explained. The old magnetic photo albums had deteriorated, turning the background pages yellow, but I was able to save the pictures.
Jamie spent an hour or so going through stacks of snapshots, occasionally bursting out in a loud guffaw, saying, “Look, Tammy,” to his wife, who always nodded appreciatively at whatever picture he held up. He was going down memory lane, something I always did when I used to visit at my mother’s house. I loved looking at her old family photos.
Later, I heard, “That’s it! I knew it was here,” as Jamie walked through the dining room. He had picked up a framed family picture sitting on a bookshelf.
“Is that what you meant? That wasn’t taken at Disney World!” I exclaimed. “That was taken at Grandma’s house in her yard. You were six months old when we went to Florida, and here you were a year-and-a-half.”
“Well, Greg is wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt," he said of his then 10-year-old brother, "so I always thought we were at Disney.” Just a wrong assumption that he had never thought to question.
We heard a stirring message at church yesterday about the second coming of our Lord. Part of the emphasis was on the fact that we cannot set dates, as someone has erroneously done recently. Nevertheless, the signs of His soon coming are apparent, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 24. Verse 14 says, “And this gospel shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” While every person in the world may not have heard the gospel, certainly it has gone to all nations.
We may assume that, because we go to church, or used to go to church, and made a commitment many years ago, that we are bound for Heaven. But Revelation 16:15 warns us, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” We have to stay in relationship with Him, and “keep” our garments. We are to be clothed in His righteousness, our garments unspotted from the world. Some wrong assumptions are harmless, but one when it comes to salvation, it doesn’t pay to make wrong assumptions.
“Jamie, we didn’t take a picture like that at Disney World,” I insisted. “And I took all the album pictures and put them in boxes,” I explained. The old magnetic photo albums had deteriorated, turning the background pages yellow, but I was able to save the pictures.
Jamie spent an hour or so going through stacks of snapshots, occasionally bursting out in a loud guffaw, saying, “Look, Tammy,” to his wife, who always nodded appreciatively at whatever picture he held up. He was going down memory lane, something I always did when I used to visit at my mother’s house. I loved looking at her old family photos.
Later, I heard, “That’s it! I knew it was here,” as Jamie walked through the dining room. He had picked up a framed family picture sitting on a bookshelf.
“Is that what you meant? That wasn’t taken at Disney World!” I exclaimed. “That was taken at Grandma’s house in her yard. You were six months old when we went to Florida, and here you were a year-and-a-half.”
“Well, Greg is wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt," he said of his then 10-year-old brother, "so I always thought we were at Disney.” Just a wrong assumption that he had never thought to question.
We heard a stirring message at church yesterday about the second coming of our Lord. Part of the emphasis was on the fact that we cannot set dates, as someone has erroneously done recently. Nevertheless, the signs of His soon coming are apparent, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 24. Verse 14 says, “And this gospel shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” While every person in the world may not have heard the gospel, certainly it has gone to all nations.
We may assume that, because we go to church, or used to go to church, and made a commitment many years ago, that we are bound for Heaven. But Revelation 16:15 warns us, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” We have to stay in relationship with Him, and “keep” our garments. We are to be clothed in His righteousness, our garments unspotted from the world. Some wrong assumptions are harmless, but one when it comes to salvation, it doesn’t pay to make wrong assumptions.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Surprise!
Our son, Trevor, and family got in late last night to join with two other sons’ families to celebrate my birthday. They were staying at a hotel, so I invited everyone to our house for breakfast this morning. About nine o’clock we all enjoyed my French Toast Casserole, sausage, biscuits and gravy and had a wonderful time visiting. Son Benjamin, who had arrived on Thursday, would have to leave today at 1:00 to make his flight connections back to Houston.
Trying to think of an activity we’d all enjoy, we settled on going to an estate sale. Even though it took a few stops to coordinate everybody’s arrival at the sale, we all eventually got there, browsed around and found a few things to our liking. I wanted to go to Cann Gardens next, to show our two-year-old granddaughter the fish swimming in their pond, but the others wanted to visit the bookstore.
The bookstore proved fascinating for all, even giving us the chance to sip a cool glass of iced tea while the children selected one item small enough to take home on the plane. They had some money, and it was so cute to watch them practice paying for it by themselves. “If we hurry, we can still stop at Cann Gardens,” I persisted. The others insisted there wasn’t time, so I gave in reluctantly and we headed home. There was a cook-out planned for lunch, so I knew I needed to get home and help with that.
I started to go in the front door, but 4-year-old Anne-Marie wanted to take me to the backyard. We had done some work out there, and everyone was enjoying the new look. Suddenly something caught my eye fluttering on the fence. A row of raffia (hula) skirts and bright flowers were decorating it, and as I looked further, I saw decorations all over the back yard! It was a birthday party! The yard had been transformed into a luau! Tables were lined up laden with food, others held checked cloths, and bright tropical flowers had sprouted along the edge of the yard. Colorful Japanese lanterns hung from yard swings, and luau-themed posters, banners, and placards covered garage, house walls and almost every other available surface.
“Surprise!” my family yelled. Suddenly several leis were put around my neck, flowery bracelets slipped on my arm and a bright flower clipped in my hair. “That’s why we had to come home!” Jamie explained. How had they managed all this? I knew we were to have a birthday cake at some point, but nothing like this! Apparently, our daughter-in-law had slipped away while we were shopping, and she and our son, Greg, and their family had prepared a lavish celebration. There were even guests present, friends we hadn’t seen in some time. Suddenly I was aware of music everywhere.
“Where is the music coming from?” I asked. Our grandson, Adam, said that was from his dad’s truck, parked near the back fence. It was an “oldie” radio station with classic tunes from the fifties and before. They had thought of everything!
“I’ve never had a birthday party!” I exclaimed over Red Velvet cake made by my granddaughter Allison, and my favorite ice cream. That wasn’t something that we did while I was growing up. Just getting another year older seemed present enough. Then when I had my own children, I did many parties and cakes for them, but if I wanted a cake, I usually made my own.
“Well, you have now,” they laughed with me. That was twice they had surprised me in as many days! What a great feeling! All that work, imagination and thoughtfulness just for me! It was a Happy Birthday!
Trying to think of an activity we’d all enjoy, we settled on going to an estate sale. Even though it took a few stops to coordinate everybody’s arrival at the sale, we all eventually got there, browsed around and found a few things to our liking. I wanted to go to Cann Gardens next, to show our two-year-old granddaughter the fish swimming in their pond, but the others wanted to visit the bookstore.
The bookstore proved fascinating for all, even giving us the chance to sip a cool glass of iced tea while the children selected one item small enough to take home on the plane. They had some money, and it was so cute to watch them practice paying for it by themselves. “If we hurry, we can still stop at Cann Gardens,” I persisted. The others insisted there wasn’t time, so I gave in reluctantly and we headed home. There was a cook-out planned for lunch, so I knew I needed to get home and help with that.
I started to go in the front door, but 4-year-old Anne-Marie wanted to take me to the backyard. We had done some work out there, and everyone was enjoying the new look. Suddenly something caught my eye fluttering on the fence. A row of raffia (hula) skirts and bright flowers were decorating it, and as I looked further, I saw decorations all over the back yard! It was a birthday party! The yard had been transformed into a luau! Tables were lined up laden with food, others held checked cloths, and bright tropical flowers had sprouted along the edge of the yard. Colorful Japanese lanterns hung from yard swings, and luau-themed posters, banners, and placards covered garage, house walls and almost every other available surface.
“Surprise!” my family yelled. Suddenly several leis were put around my neck, flowery bracelets slipped on my arm and a bright flower clipped in my hair. “That’s why we had to come home!” Jamie explained. How had they managed all this? I knew we were to have a birthday cake at some point, but nothing like this! Apparently, our daughter-in-law had slipped away while we were shopping, and she and our son, Greg, and their family had prepared a lavish celebration. There were even guests present, friends we hadn’t seen in some time. Suddenly I was aware of music everywhere.
“Where is the music coming from?” I asked. Our grandson, Adam, said that was from his dad’s truck, parked near the back fence. It was an “oldie” radio station with classic tunes from the fifties and before. They had thought of everything!
“I’ve never had a birthday party!” I exclaimed over Red Velvet cake made by my granddaughter Allison, and my favorite ice cream. That wasn’t something that we did while I was growing up. Just getting another year older seemed present enough. Then when I had my own children, I did many parties and cakes for them, but if I wanted a cake, I usually made my own.
“Well, you have now,” they laughed with me. That was twice they had surprised me in as many days! What a great feeling! All that work, imagination and thoughtfulness just for me! It was a Happy Birthday!
Friday, June 24, 2011
In the Middle of a Miracle
Oh happy day! One that we could only hope in faith believing would come! But now the shadows have been dispelled by the Light of His glorious Goodness and the sun is shining again! Nothing shakes one to the core like learning that a loved one is in danger.
Our young granddaughter had a blemish on her toenail. “Mama, take me to the doctor!” she pestered her mother for a month or more. As a young teen, a perfect appearance meant everything to her. To indulge her daughter over something she felt was superficial, her mom scheduled an appointment.
She was stunned to hear the doctor’s opinion! The nail was removed, and a biopsy taken. Prayers and pleadings went up to God for what might be a dire, life-threatening, situation. Our daughter was told the results would be back in three days, so she was at least thankful for the mercifully brief waiting time.
She heard nothing in three days, nor four, nor five. The answer was always the same. The results are not in yet. Finally, she heard they were doing further testing. Her fears increased. What did this mean? Oh God, we were so desperate, yet not daring to admit the possibility of a negative outcome.
All the family and churches were praying. In the perceived invulnerability of youth, our granddaughter alone did not worry (or at least admit to it). Finally, though, the uncertainty began to wear on her nerves, too. She questioned her mother if she should worry. She was assured all would be well.
Today at last the doctor went over the report. Although he had done hundreds of procedures like this and his considerable experience had given him a wealth of knowledge, he at last had to admit there were no atypical cells in my granddaughter’s biopsy. She was fine! In our opinion, her toe must have become stressed or hurt in strenuous sports activities, although she didn’t recall anything. As a dedicated softball player, who knows how many times she had slid into home plate, or scuffed her toes in the dust of the batter’s mound. Whatever the reason, we give God the glory. If there was something dark and terrible lurking, God had healed it!
Suddenly the trivial worries of every day do not matter so much. However large they loom, they are nothing at all in the grand scheme of things. Our perspective has been renewed, and with it a greater faith in God, the Keeper of the future.
Our young granddaughter had a blemish on her toenail. “Mama, take me to the doctor!” she pestered her mother for a month or more. As a young teen, a perfect appearance meant everything to her. To indulge her daughter over something she felt was superficial, her mom scheduled an appointment.
She was stunned to hear the doctor’s opinion! The nail was removed, and a biopsy taken. Prayers and pleadings went up to God for what might be a dire, life-threatening, situation. Our daughter was told the results would be back in three days, so she was at least thankful for the mercifully brief waiting time.
She heard nothing in three days, nor four, nor five. The answer was always the same. The results are not in yet. Finally, she heard they were doing further testing. Her fears increased. What did this mean? Oh God, we were so desperate, yet not daring to admit the possibility of a negative outcome.
All the family and churches were praying. In the perceived invulnerability of youth, our granddaughter alone did not worry (or at least admit to it). Finally, though, the uncertainty began to wear on her nerves, too. She questioned her mother if she should worry. She was assured all would be well.
Today at last the doctor went over the report. Although he had done hundreds of procedures like this and his considerable experience had given him a wealth of knowledge, he at last had to admit there were no atypical cells in my granddaughter’s biopsy. She was fine! In our opinion, her toe must have become stressed or hurt in strenuous sports activities, although she didn’t recall anything. As a dedicated softball player, who knows how many times she had slid into home plate, or scuffed her toes in the dust of the batter’s mound. Whatever the reason, we give God the glory. If there was something dark and terrible lurking, God had healed it!
Suddenly the trivial worries of every day do not matter so much. However large they loom, they are nothing at all in the grand scheme of things. Our perspective has been renewed, and with it a greater faith in God, the Keeper of the future.
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