Day 5
I didn’t sleep well last night. It is my last night in the cabin in the woods. I will miss it here-the peace, the quiet, the place of reflection and reconnection with myself and my God.
The ulcers have spread into my throat. Making the pain more intense. There is no fever, but I am uncomfortable. Swallowing is difficult. So, I call my doctor and ask to walk in.
I leave early, cleaning the cabin the the best I can. I gather the towels, leave them in the tub, put my remaining food in my ice chest, pull out the trash and haul it to the dumpster. Then head to the doctor’s office. I have Strep! UGH. I never caught Strep when my boys were young and living at home. The doctor gives me a Rocephin shot, prescribes an antibiotic and advises me to steer clear of people for 24 hours. I will stay in a hotel tonight.
Plans are: give the antibiotics time to work, spend a few days with my sons, their wives, and my grandchildren, and then head north for a few days with my mom and middle sister before heading toward my new home. I am both nervous and excited. But the week here has been a time to rest before the transition.- a hallway of sorts.
I trust the God who goes before me, the God of creation is not too small to create the paths forged ahead. And no matter how magnificent He is, He is not too large to bend his ear to me, to hear my prayers, to listen-even when I knew myself to be undeserving of his divine grace and mercy. I suppose this is grace: we are granted unfathomable lavish love at all times. He never leaves and never forsakes. It is we you do the leaving and forsaking.
And as uncomfortable as this Strep is, I have been in more comfortless situations. Yet every time, He heard. And every time He became my comfort-even when I could not feel Him working or see Him move.
“I love the Lord, for He has heard my voice-
my appeal for mercy.
Because He has inclined His ear to me
I will call on Him as long as I live.
………
Return to your rest, Oh my Soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:1-2, 7
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