Sabbath Rain
The sky was heavy with rainclouds, therefore today’s Sunday afternoon nap was perfect. There was a steady rain on the roof lulling us to sleep, and even the dog settled in quietly. The darkness is closing in fast this afternoon, and we are all beginning to stir and wake from one of those satisfying, long winter’s naps. The lamps are lit early, and the rain continues, but now we are getting ready to have a Christmas celebration with Dan and Julie and their family tonight. The homemade rolls are sending the scent of fresh baked bread to the rooms of the stragglers. I imagine everyone will end up in the kitchen soon.
We were able to attend church together this morning, which is something we have not been able to do for a long time. It was great to experience the day together. The problems of yesterday and for the past year seemed far behind us, and we worshiped the One Who hears all of our prayers. After lunch I got a call from one of Katy’s doctors; a faithful blog reader. He read yesterday’s account of the pain medication withdrawal, and discussed a tapering plan with me. The plan will take several weeks to accomplish, but it is a conservative taper that her system should adjust to without shocking it. I am grateful for that information, and for her doctor who makes house calls. He, like all of us, longs to see her living her dreams.
One of the hymns sung in church this morning particularly touched my heart as I looked down the row and saw Katy singing. My tears are good on these occasions. They express my joy when words fail. I’ll close with the words to the hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.”
O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller, be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I can not close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be.
December 30th, 2007 at 5:53 pm e
We wish you a Happy New Year…that all of 2008 can be the same as your Christmas season or better. I hate that we missed you at church today. We are still praying for your family. Your family pic is fabulous (just how long did it take to get everyone to smile at once?) May the Lord bless you richly this coming year!
December 30th, 2007 at 6:43 pm e
How awesome it was to see you ALL at church today!! Katy looked radiant and beautiful! I too pray that 2008 will bring new joys, new insights, new blessings from our Father, and boat-loads of “normal” days!
In Christ,
-Jennifer
December 30th, 2007 at 7:38 pm e
So glad you could all make it to worship together this morning! That is wonderful news. And thanks be to God for a doctor who is so attentive. I hope the new year greats you with wonderful surprises and adventures!
Hugs and prayers from
Sandy
December 30th, 2007 at 8:10 pm e
I am so thankful for docs out there who really care about their patients. I hope this taper works well, and as always Katy is forever in my prayers. Take care and I pray the New Year to be much better for us all.
Love
Karen Tillman
December 31st, 2007 at 12:06 pm e
Hey Katy!
We continue to pray for you, my friend, that 2008 willl bring new mercies and “oceanliner loads” of normal days….boat loads didn’t seem like quite enough! 
I echo Karen’s comment - I’m so thankful for your doctor - who really cares for you! I am so sad that I missed you in church yesterday. Noah and Lydia are recovering from a virus and we thought it best to keep them home one more day. I’m sorry that the pain has returned - but so glad that God has provided you with a thoughtful mom - who is able to analyze symptoms, remember details and clearly articulate what is going on! There aren’t many women like her - she’s worth more than rubies!
Love ya!
Jes
January 1st, 2008 at 4:32 pm e
I have always loved the hymn, “O love that will not let me go”–but you just don’t hear it in church that often. The vastness of God’s love and power come through clearly. I’m planning to use it for a prelude in church this Sunday. Thank you for the reminder!
Anne