One year ago today, my Dad awoke not feeling well, struggling to breathe. By late afternoon, he was in a medically-induced coma on full life support where he would remain for the next several weeks, his body waging the fight of a lifetime with pneumonia. The chance of survival was minuscule.
That first day completely rocked our world and began a dizzying roller-coaster of emotions. Over the course of the next six months, I would be forced to say what I thought was a final goodbye to Dad 7 times at the beginning of return trip to Tennessee.
Still, that day was also the beginning of God pouring out amazing grace on us in so many ways and through so many people. Though during those long weeks and months of touch-and-go we couldn’t imagine we’d be able to say it, according to God’s sovereign plan Dad is still on that journey, getting stronger and more determined every day and we are grateful.
I spoke to Dad yesterday about this anniversary and he only had praise for God’s goodness through it all. Not one complaint. As I’ve witnessed the pain and struggle that he has been through and the way Mom has endured under such a strain as care-giver, I know it is simply the love of Jesus that makes it possible.
We have learned the truth that it is the fire of trials that tests and refines our faith and that in the deepest challenges and pain, God’s presence and power become most keenly evident. It is, as my friend Todd MacDonald taught me years ago as he faced his own death, it is in the moment we need it most that the extra measure of God’s grace is given to hold us together and carry us through whatever depths we are called to. He has been our only hope and I hope that he is yours, too.
Thank you to everyone who has done so much to help us through this first year. You are a treasure! Whatever the future holds, I know that it is Christ who holds the future.
Soli Deo Gloria!
