Words and Notes

It seems comfort comes to me in words and notes. Sometimes they are together, and sometimes not. It really doesn't matter. Lately, I have had a lot of time for reading and listening.

David's blood counts are up a little from the past week of uncertainty, but it is still best not to have him around people. For some reason, everyone wants to touch him and breath on him...both very germy actions, and not good for him. So far, so good, but we have a long way to go. And cold season is bearing down on us. And we have two other kiddos in school.

It will be a long winter.

For the first time in months, I slept for 6 hours straight. It was refreshing.

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It is funny to me how well-meaning people give such unhelpful advice to those going through hard times. This has been happening a lot to me.

"You just have to look at the postives." "You just have to remember that this will pass soon." "You just have to keep things in perspective." "You just need to ......(insert stupid advice here)."

Now, I understand that these people are trying to be helpful and comforting and kind. Most of them probably don't know what to say. All of them would be better off offering hugs and a meal, and keeping their mouths shut. I know they mean well, though, and I am trying to focus on that.

So, I read this today by David Powlison: "No important truth ever contains the word 'just' in the punch line."

I deem this sound thinking.

He also says on the subject of suffering, "The endurance of faith is one of the Spirit's finest fruits - and you only learn to endure when you must live through something hard."

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So, lastly, I leave here the words of an old old hymn that I have been humming alot. Comforting words.

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed;
for I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

"When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow whall not overflow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

"When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, whall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

"E'en down to old age all my people shall prove
my sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
and when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne.

"The sould that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
that sould, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake.