Many of you know that I am in San Francisco at the moment helping with my 83-year old father who went through a critical surgery yesterday. This has been a two-week ordeal since a botched surgery two weeks ago. The second surgery was an arduous and tenuous procedure demanding a top-notch specialist, which is why we are here. He came out of it as well as the doctors had hoped, but having had two major surgeries in the last two weeks, has taken its toll on him.
I love the way God slips in little things even at a time like this to let people know he’s around. Last night the night nurse came in to introduce herself. “I am Grace,” she said, “and I’ll be with you through the night.” That was pretty cool. Maybe all nurses should be named Grace, especially those who follow a major surgery.
Then this morning a new nurse took over. “My name is Hope and I’ll be taking over from Grace today.” I loved hearing that and it brought a smile to my face. Maybe half of the nurses should be named Grace and the other half Hope. Then there’s Goodness and Mercy too! I like being followed by them too.
Now Hope just came in. “Grace will be taking over again tonight.” It’s been a fun subtext to our day as I’ve watched my father get stronger and stronger with each passing hour. We’ve been surrounded by prayers and love. Hopefully it’s all uphill from here.
Incredible! Surrounded by Grace and Hope twenty-four hours a day! We all are you know. It just usually isn’t this obvious. But it would be my prayer for all of you reading this that you would find expressions of God’s hope and grace in whatever challenges you face.
He’s there, you know. As certain as the sun rising!
And who knows? Maybe Joy will come in the morning.
