In the arms of God...

That's where I enjoy being....safe in the arms of God.  A place where he is my comforter, my protector, my refuge and source of peace.

As I enter this night of rest, I am thinking of friends who need to know they are taken care of by something much larger than themselves.  They need not worry. They are cared for by a source of great love.

A friend is having surgery tomorrow.  Serious cancer surgery.  The prognosis is very good for her but she will be away from her normal routine for up to six weeks...recovering.  Life is not easy as we approach serious life and death circumstances, when we are faced with our own mortality and the fact that we really have no control as to what comes our way.  The great test comes in our reaction to these life and death scenarios.  How do we face cancer?  How do we even say the word?  How can we be a source of hope to others in the midst of our own uncertainty and pain? 

I know Andrea has a deep faith.  She knows about God and his provision and love for her.  This faith will do her well in the days and weeks ahead.  She knows too, that I speak to the Father about her and ask for mercy and grace and healing on her behalf, as do many others.  It's what friends do.

May God be with the doctors as they operate, giving them sure hands and wisdom as they go about their delicate procedures...and may God whisper his words of comfort to her as she enters this difficult time. 

And as her family joins her on this journey, may they be strengthened and uplifted as they watch and wait.  It isn't easy watching those we love walking past 'the valley of the shadow of death'.

And so, "May the Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make his face shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord turn his face towards her and give her peace."  Amen

Good night dear Andrea....sleep well in the arms of God.