Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds you so much dread

are big with mercy and shall break

in blessings on your head.

~Wm. Cowper

Just the word 'oncologist' strikes terror. I hate to admit it, but there it is. How humbled once again by the Mercy that breaks in blessing. How could we have even imagined, that once again our great God would place in our pathway one of His choice servants 'for such a time as this'?

On noting the 'pastor' on the occupation line of the medical form, this dear man began to address all things from that blessed eternal perspective that only God's children understand.

Item by item he addressed our fears and answered our questions before we spoke of them.

Still, the fact is that tomorrow a kidney surrounded by a cancerous mass will be removed.

The fact remains that this is serious surgery with a long recovery time.

Admittedly, there is an element of dread here too.

We're speaking of a most impatient patient!

Yet, today while I won't say there is a lightness of bouncing spirit within, there is certainly a complete peace. Too, the spirit within is greatly humbled by New Mercies strewn on today's pathway.

My only puzzlement is the glaring fact of my own doubt. How could I have imagined such abundant grace given? And why did I not expect it from the Hand that gives only good things?

Look closely, Dear Reader - on my forehead is imprinted this day: "O ye of little faith".

With heart-felt thanks to all of you for your continued prayers as our journey continues.