hindrances

Nancy is spending the weekend here at home with our Bichon Teddie and me. Just chilling.
Her fever never climbed above 99 and we have passed her most vulnerable time following Chemo Round 2. So, we pause and give thanks that we were spared another hospital visit.

The last week I have often pondered this phrase in Hebrews 12 that challenges us to "throw off everything that hinders." We are often tempted to view illness, separation from loved ones, and uncertainty as obstacles to a good life. If I could only be healthy, hanging out with the cool school and have a clear view into the future, life can be good, right?

Well, maybe not. The last 3 years have brought much suffering and loss our way. I complain about all this far too frequently. But in my sane moments I wonder if hardship is not a hindrance to a good and godly life but the delivery system to real joy. The storm winds force us to let go of the junk: stuff, false hopes and petty aspirations to hold tight to the Rock. This is a hard lesson, one I embrace in the comfortable moments of a prayer group, or even in the quiet moments of morning devotion, but forget in moment of the doctor's report, the Dow's tumbling or a friend's desperate fight to beat the Unwelcome Visitor. So, we need you to keep us sane. Each of your letters, every email, gift or prayer helps us "run the race...marked out for us," even when the hurtles are tall.