God is really on top of things…
Well, Janna and I are in the Land of Living Skies right now (aka – Saskatchewan). Janna's grandmother passed away this week, and so we've come for the funeral. We're really glad that we could both get away for the week and come… what we didn't know is that God had much more in store for this trip. When we arrived in Regina (via westjet) my brother in law picked us up. He told us that they would be receiving biopsy results from a lump they'd found in Jayda's breast the next day. Our being here with them meant that we were able to pray with them, and receive the bad news together. Jayda's cancer is back.
Our main desire over this past couple years has been to really share this journey with my sister and her family. That can be hard given the geographical distance between us. I'm so thankful to God that we could be here with them this week. I recently read a powerful devotional by Henri Nouwen in which he speaks to the necessary co-existence of joy and sorrow in our lives. To live a full life we must truly live in both the sorrows and joys that it brings. Ultimately, Henri points out that we can't have one without the other.
This week is turning out to be a major lesson in this reality. I feel immense sorrow both personally, and for my sister and Chris. AT the very same time, I'm filled with joy by the love we have for each other, and by God's divine hand in the smallest details surrounding yesterdays life altering news. Most amazing to me is the intense intercession that God had lead me to earlier this week (not knowing that my sisters situation would become such a major concern.) The song that I recorded has been ringing in my head, and coming from my lips non-stop.
God, thank you for the peace you bring to our lives, and for your presence… it is truly life giving. I thank you God for your divine intervention in the everyday moments of life. I thank you that though you've called us to impossible tensions, you walk with them with us making the impossible possible. I pray your healing, and for your life.
Father, Have Your Way.
Chad
Thank you everyone for your prayers… your love and friendship is a gift.