And you shall find REST: A note from Jan Leading up to Tomorrow's Stem Cell Transfusion. Jud's Journal Entry Twelve.
Sunday, before heading into MGH, I slipped into a back pew at Christ Church for my transfusion. Patrick preached a strong sermon on the 4th Commandment. The one about theSabbath… .About REST. He said the Sabbath reminds us Who God IS, what God DOES and who we are to BE. It is one way to say NO to the culture of NOW or MORE, like the one the ancient Egyptians promoted, a culture requiring 24/7 slaves to keep it prospering. God delivered His people from slavery and then gave them and us an unbelievable gift: a day of rest.
We sang an old hymn, written by Isaac Watts and based on Psalm 23. “The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days Oh, may thy house be mine abode and all my work be praise. There would I find a SETTLED REST, while others go and come; no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.” A church home. Good to have.
Days tend to blur, whether retired from the routines of a work week or in lockdown on a floor at MGH. Sundays—Sabbaths—drive a stake into my earthly jungles and jumbles, launching a new week with a 4 letter word, an almost foreign one, REST. In a culture of ME, Sunday says YOU, Lord.
Church came to Jud on Sunday. Dick and Martha stopped by, masked and gloved. We watched the Patriots beat the Bills on the TV in Jud’s room.(Just when you thought we were so holy!) I’m not suggesting that the win was miraculous, just a good one. But back to church in Lunder 1032. It came in the company of good friends who showed up to sit with us. No sermons on, “If you have more faith.” No need to fill space with chatter. Just two good hearts and minds, toting a CD of Garrison Keillor’s best stories along with prayers and loving encouragement. We had more than the required “two or three gathered together in Christ’s name.” Stake’s planted for the challenging week ahead.
Jud gets a day of rest today, according to the schedule. Untethered by tubes and cords, he’s free to move about the room or walk the halls of Lunder10, if masked. The last chemo finished in the early hours of this morning. The donor’s bone marrow is en route to MGH. Tomorrow the transplant takes place. This is when I sense fear wrestling with settled trust, secure hope and seated peace. It comes with reality, with walking the halls and seeing other soldiers in varying stages of the battle.
I know Jud. While I sat in church, he read psalms and listened to Fernando Ortega for his transfusion, his stake in the week. Pills can bring sleep but true rest is a matter of the Spirit. Jud knows this. So do I.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We come. We crawl. We inch along, pulling tubes and sacks of chemicals and hope.
Jesus reaches out to us and whispers, “lean on me.” Rest.
26 Comments
3rd and long or 4th and 1, we need Brady. For Jud, give me Jesus - as Fernando would sing. Praying with you for the success of this next step. Love, Sam and Deb
That was a beautiful service-and then the Pats won! I don't know Fernando. Have to check him out.....
Lotsa folks walking through the valley with you and looking forward to the end of the long ordeal, Blessings....
Oops, it should read, "Dear Jud and Jan"...
Good night and God's blessing and peace be with you.
Love,
Lillian
Dear Jud and Jud, Praying this favorite bedtime prayer from th Book of Common Prayer for you with special emphasis on "Tend the sick Lord Christ. Give rest to the weary..."
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
With much love, Bill and Lillian
Love and prayers.
Leasa
Oh Jan what power words can have ... And yours this day ministered amazing grace to both Nancy and me. Out of the abundance of the heart...and from yours to ours we are encouraged, strengthened and empowered to pray words in faith over Jud and you. Dave and Nancy.
Every time I listen to Fernando Ortega I will say a prayer for Jud, and I listen to Fernando a lot! We will especially be praying hard tomorrow. Love and hugs
Barb and I both have Ortega CDs in our cars - always. They will be a good reminder to pray. Thankful for your transparent and honest trust.
Jay & Barb
Always so beautiful, so full of love for Jesus and each other, so encouraging to those of us following from a distance and praying. We love you both so,
J & J
We can't be along side you physically, but prayer-full always we are with you from the northern rocky coast of Lake Superior. Faith to you both, hour by hour.
George & Darleen
Praying for you! Love, the Hunts
Debbie and I have been praying for both of you as you face this challenge and will continue to do so as you both trust in God for this next phase. You both are tremendous role models and we love you!
Jeff and Debbie
May our precious Lamb of Glory quiet your hearts to breathe in His presence.
We love you
Praying ... especially for tomorrow. May peace reign in your hearts and keep you steady.
Love and hugs,
Sue
At times like this we realize that prayer is not preparation for the battle, it is the battle! We continue to join you daily in the battle. " Out of his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you the mighty inner strengthening of his Holy Spirit. " Eph. 3:16
Love to you.
"fear wrestling with settled trust, secure hope and seated peace" Cheering, routing, PRAYING fervently for the settled trust, secure hope and seated peace to continually WIN that ongoing wrestling match!! Thank you for your beautiful words. Love and hugs and prayers, Wendy and Steve
Rest. Trust. Hope. Wait. Listen. Lean. Pray. Love. May these words sustain, guide, and transform you from the inside out.
Praying outside the confines of MGH,
In Christ Alone, Steve and Ruthie M.
Praying for you! Love, the Hunts
Debbie and I have been praying for both of you as you face this challenge and will continue to do so as you both trust in God for this next phase. You both are tremendous role models and we love you!
Jeff and Debbie
May our precious Lamb of Glory quiet your hearts to breathe in His presence.
We love you
Praying ... especially for tomorrow. May peace reign in your hearts and keep you steady.
Love and hugs,
Sue
At times like this we realize that prayer is not preparation for the battle, it is the battle! We continue to join you daily in the battle. " Out of his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you the mighty inner strengthening of his Holy Spirit. " Eph. 3:16
Love to you.
"fear wrestling with settled trust, secure hope and seated peace" Cheering, routing, PRAYING fervently for the settled trust, secure hope and seated peace to continually WIN that ongoing wrestling match!! Thank you for your beautiful words. Love and hugs and prayers, Wendy and Steve
Rest. Trust. Hope. Wait. Listen. Lean. Pray. Love. May these words sustain, guide, and transform you from the inside out.
Praying outside the confines of MGH,
In Christ Alone, Steve and Ruthie M.