Fix Our Eyes

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

What a week it has been! Actually it's been longer than a week for us. It all began with my dear friends' admission to the hospital on August 30th.

She's had heart issues, and has RA and had a valve replacement 6 years ago. Tim and I joined them at the hospital and spent a few hours chatting with them. We went back in a few days later. Same thing. Talking about the tests that had been run, what the kids (all adults) have been up too, etc. She was having a test the next day under sedation, so we said we'd see her in a few days. 

The test was run, they moved her into ICU after to monitor heart pressures. Friday we got the call that her heart had stopped!

This is not good, obviously, but they got her back and put on ECHMO. The options for treatment didn't sound like they would be feasible, so the doctor told them to gather their loved ones. Three of their kids had been in the UK and it took nearly 24 hours to get home! We were called and we went and were there for 10 hours. Before we left that night we all prayed together.

Then after they did another scan, they decided she could handle open heart surgery, and have a good outcome. So she had that surgery, and a few days later, they went in and closed her up. She's doing well, progressing in all the right ways, and last evening was still partially sedated but engaged with me about her getting well, so we could get her off liquid nutrition and go to tea! I loved seeing that.

This past week we saw the horrifying death of that Ukrainian refugee on the commuter train, and the next day Charlie Kirk was assassinated. 

God is holding me up, and helping me think clearly. Our friend in Florida is still very ill. So much hurt, but we continue to fix our eyes on Jesus.

I started a study with ladies from church today about theology. It's going to be good. I got a haircut. Life continues. 

Charlie has moved to that great cloud of witnesses. He's cheering us all on. He's cheering that people are seeking God. 

God is the only one who can save the world.