End of Spring Break Update

Sandy had a full spring break week. She made cinnamon rolls with a friend, visited several people, hosted a dinner for cousins, and played with grandkids. And then she came down with a fever. After some lab work came back, her doctor prescribed an antibiotic. Unfortunately, it did not take care of the fever. On Friday, she received a few hours of fluids, and on Saturday she was admitted to St Francis. They anticipate a stay of a couple days as they figure out what is going on and how to fight the infection. Sandy is, understandably, discouraged, because she has better things to do than lay in a hospital bed feeling crummy! She has had several visitors, and continues to be encouraged by the love she is shown. Hopefully she will be home soon.

This week we anticipate receiving the results of her latest scan. I'll post once we have that information.

Thanks for the continued prayers for healing and peace.

Many times we have a plan for our lives - a logical plan that includes the fulfillment of hopes and dreams. We have ideas about relationships, careers, finances, ministry, retirement, and health. Frequently, however, life doesn't end up as we had planned. We talk about moving on to Plan B. Or Plan C. Or Plan ZZZ…! We might be disillusioned, frustrated, or even bitter or angry. Yet I don't think God has a Plan B for our lives, or anything other than The Plan - Plan A.

Before sin entered the world, there was a perfect plan that included perfect health, pleasurable work, and fulfilling relationships. Because sin is all around us, we cannot have the ideal life our heart longs for - at least not on earth. Don't misunderstand me - I am in no way implying that disease or loss is the result of an individual's personal sin. There are instances that include a clear cause and effect, but much of the time there is not a direct link between our actions and our trials.

God knew each event that would occur in Sandy's life. This is not His Plan B. We may not understand how it could be His best for her, but we trust His wisdom and his love. We have already seen positive things come from this journey, which is yet another proof of His faithfulness. Imagine how life might be different if we approached each day believing that the day contained God's best for us - GOD'S best, not our human idea of what is best. Just as a parent lovingly gives a child medicine or says no to one thing in order to provide something better (despite kicking and screaming by the child), God lovingly gives us what is best, regardless of how much (little?) we understand, approve of, or enjoy His plan.

Walking through a storm when you know you're loved by the one who tells the wind and rain what to do makes the storm bearable. It even enables you to see glimmers of a rainbow in the distance. Do you trust Him?