A Quiet Work

In the morning hours of January 5^th, 1998, we awoke to the Ice Storm.  We had arrived the night before on a flight from California, packing fresh oranges picked fresh from the tree into our luggage.  Looking out the window, it looked like Pluto.  I said to Rick: “I don’t think I can do this, babe.”

But the kindness of strangers for one another in Ottawa that weekend convinced us that Canada would be our new home.  We have been so blessed to be here these past 25 years.

In the morning hours of January 5^th, 2023, I awoke to my husband’s words, “I need to go to emergency.”  Rick had not slept, he could hardly breathe, and his oxygen levels were dropping.  Knowing I needed His strength, we drove quietly to the hospital.  I thought to myself: “I don’t think I can do this, babe.”

We spent last Thursday in emergency, and Rick was quickly diagnosed by x-ray as having pneumonia.  The doctors debated between themselves whether to admit him or send him home.  He was sent home to avoid any further hospital-acquired pneumonias.  I became the nurse and caregiver.  Getting medication, and running to my own appointments, I eventually added shingles to my own bronchitis. 

Life has taken a turn we did not expect.  Now, a week later, our fearless leader at Heritage still has fever in the night.  The hard work has ceased, and the heart ache of December is still in prayer.   

In the midst of all these health challenges is a quiet work of God.  We know it is Him because it has the ring of truth.  The lift of love. 

There has been a music album that has taken us to new places.  This one is worth shutting off the lights and laying with your own back to the bed.  It is worth a careful ponder.  Perhaps a candle flicker.  It takes time to begin a quiet work of God.

The album:  Make it Out Alive by Kristian Stanfill.  One song, “We Need People” has revealed the same truth as the Ice Storm, the kindness of strangers and friends holds us has held us these now fourteen days at home.  In January, we’ve been so blessed to be here these 10 years.

We know that this health crash is new news for many of you.  We would welcome your prayers to rise as incense before the Father for Rick’s healing.  We realize, life can’t quite go back to where we were.  We know that inner change, and perhaps outward changes are to come.   We also want to welcome this as a good thing.

As we begin a New Year, will we all welcome God’s quiet work in us?  Will we let the stillness settle the murk that allows us all to address needed changes.  After all, it is a New Year and a chance to begin a quiet work.  Even if we think: I don’t think I can do this. 

Now to Him who is able to do far more exceedingly abundantly beyond all we dream or imagine.  Eph 3:20.