Listening 101. A note from Jan. Jud's Journal Entry Twenty-seven.
Sunday November 9, 2014 DAY +25 ON LUNDER 1032
UPDATE on the White Blood Cells: Friday……..11/7 +23 WBC 11.3 Saturday….11/8 +24 WBC 10.01 Sunday……11/9 +25 WBC 8.37 Today they gave Jud platelets and a blood transfusion. He needed both, after a 5 hour nosebleed. They brought over a specialist from the the Eye/Ear/Nose clinic. Even though it looks like this downward trend should be a negative, it’s not, said the nurse. He’s in a normal range. If the numbers start rising, it means he’s fighting an infection which would NOT be good. So the stem cells of the 22 year old Northern European (possibly Norwegian) are working.
LISTENING 101 Nancy got me thinking about listening after she stopped by for a visit just loaded with encouragement and goodies. Along with a pair of jeans (she read Jud’s comments on CB) came many treats. One of my favorites is a package of napkins bearing a New Yorker cartoon— A man’s seated on a chair and his wife’s on the sofa with an open book. The cartoon reads: “I’m sorry, dear. I wasn’t listening. Could you repeat what you’ve said since we’ve been married?”
Talking’s more my gift than listening. I’m not proud of that, though I am more introverted than most would suspect. Once on a car trip to NYC, while Jud drove, I waxed on and on about something. We’d been driving for awhile when Jud said quietly and as respectfully as one can say such a thing,”You are welcome to keep talking, but I won’t be listening.” After a moment of stunned silenced, I laughed. We both needed some quiet. Jud just SUGGESTED it first.
In September, during the third week of our first stint on Lunder 10, Jud began losing his hearing. It happened again last week. One possible cause is something to do with the pressure in his ‘vacuum sealed’ room. Who knows?! Whatever the reason, it goes away, and soon Jud will hear more than I mean to say.
That’s been one of the gifts of Lunder. Quiet. Listening time. Holding hands, mine gloved. Reaping a harvest of years of knowing, listening, learning.
Jud’s reflected often on the book of James during the struggles of the past four years. Somewhere in there it says to be “quick to listen and slow to speak.” That’s Jud. Opposites attract.
Suffering alongside of Jud has honed my listening. I cry to God. God listens. (by faith) We learn. (I hope)
Sometimes I wish God would speak. Say something like, “All will be well.” Then, I’d wonder. What does “well” look like from God’s-eye view? I’m back to Faith, again. Backed into that corner of believing in WHO not WHAT, WHEN or HOW. Sounds simple. Not easy.
When Patrick preaches, I listen. Today he spoke on the 8th commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Steal.” He quoted someone as saying,”Theft is as old as the word MINE.” He talked about stealing people…slavery, kidnapping. Worse than stealing stuff.
Maggie and Kate wiggled less and listened more today. When it came time to march off to Sunday School, each got to carry one of the banners. Maggie led. Kate, the younger, followed, her banner twisting and turning like some balky kite, one hand twirling, the other waving to her adoring public. Suddenly she lowered the banner into her sister’s back, spearing Maggie. Maggie kept marching. Kate’s banner read, “Blessed are the Meek.” A strutting, grinning, poking oxymoron. Maggie’s read, “Blessed are the Merciful.” She was. Both kept moving, heading for Sunday School. Good place to be.
I suppose that’s what Jud and I are about on most days on Lunder. Jud, enduring pokes and prods while putting one foot in front of the other, continuing on that rocky path of a long obedience. Both of us marching to one more Sunday school class. Learning to listen and trust. Simple, not easy. But more bearable when you know the Teacher loves you, no matter what.
22 Comments
Your words are such a blessing to my faith, Jan. I love to listen to your words. And God speaks to me through them. Continuing to pray for both you and Jud. By name because God loves our name. And He calls us and speaks to us each by name.
Jan....I read your words....the words that only a care giver can really understand:
"I cry to God'
God listens
We learn"
I join you in the prayers.
Peter
Just heard a story about Dan Rather asking Mother Theresa what she says to God when she prays. She answered "I listen." He asked her, "What does God say?" She answered, "He listens." Reminded me of your wonderful journal. We feel grateful to you for sharing your wisdom, wit, and wonder. Great role models for all of us on how to face these challenges. Much Love!
Jan,
Your commentary always paints a picture and makes it easier to picture you both on Lunder 10, and consequently easier to pray for you both there. What comfort to know that it is never just the two of you.
Our continuing love and prayers,
Judy and Bill
Praying for you both Jud and Jan (and your family)...............thank you for all the writings and sharing - we are blessed to be part of this with you. all God's blessings to you this week.
Brad
❤️ I have no words for your words! (You know this will be a book, don't you?!) Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here...
We just learned of Jud's (and your) awful summer. Appalled! Prayers and hugs. Sandy
Ahhh! Your words are a treasure!!
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me." Psalm 23:1-4
God is all we need. He loves us and only has GOOD things for us. He leads us gently into beautiful pastures and quiet waters where we can find rest in Him. We can rest in Him. We can trust He takes care of EVERYTHING. Simple, but not easy!!
God is with you! We believe! We keep our faith up. We keep declaring a full and speedy recovery for dearest Dr. C.
How wonderfully written and set to music J.S. Bach set these verses to music in his Cantata no. 208: "Sheep may safely graze and pasture, in a watchful shepherd's sight". Isn't it amazing?
We love you! Xoxoxoxo
You WILL publish this some day. xxoo
I too tend to talk a lot more than James would advise, and my husband is so patient!
Standing with you.
Love....
Are you familiar with Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling"? I have been so blessed by it. Almost as blessed as I have been by your updates Jan! :) She talks often of how important it is to be still in God's Presence. A few days ago I read "... being still in (God's) Presence equips you for the day ahead of you... if you are not adequately equipped for the journey you will grow weary and lose heart..." How do people get through things like this without His help?! So thankful for your love for Him and your knowledge of His love for you. Continuing to pray with all our hearts, Wendy
Jud and Jan:
Thank you again for these updates. We are both encouraged and strengthened to read of "Life on Lunder"! I guess we are all learning about that long obedience in the same direction. Praying for both of you each day.
Grateful to be blessed by you sharing your journey!! Thank you again!!
My prayer for you and Jud as well as for another friend of mine going through a physical struggle.
Ps 5: 11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Has Jud expressed a craving for lutefisk yet? That would be a good sign! that the match is working!
No comment on the listening/talking issues between the two of you, but your reminders of the importance of listening is so good - thank you. This note is just to say that we are not at all tired of praying for you. It's a privilege that comes with being part of the body of Christ.
We continue to pray, Jan. Thanks for these regular updates. God is doing something amazing through these updates. God be praised for all that he's doing, and we continue to pray for Jud's total restoration and healing. Until then, we're standing with you.
Are you familiar with Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling"? I have been so blessed by it. Almost as blessed as I have been by your updates Jan! :) She talks often of how important it is to be still in God's Presence. A few days ago I read "... being still in (God's) Presence equips you for the day ahead of you... if you are not adequately equipped for the journey you will grow weary and lose heart..." How do people get through things like this without His help?! So thankful for your love for Him and your knowledge of His love for you. Continuing to pray with all our hearts, Wendy
Jud and Jan:
Thank you again for these updates. We are both encouraged and strengthened to read of "Life on Lunder"! I guess we are all learning about that long obedience in the same direction. Praying for both of you each day.
Grateful to be blessed by you sharing your journey!! Thank you again!!
My prayer for you and Jud as well as for another friend of mine going through a physical struggle.
Ps 5: 11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Has Jud expressed a craving for lutefisk yet? That would be a good sign! that the match is working!
No comment on the listening/talking issues between the two of you, but your reminders of the importance of listening is so good - thank you. This note is just to say that we are not at all tired of praying for you. It's a privilege that comes with being part of the body of Christ.
We continue to pray, Jan. Thanks for these regular updates. God is doing something amazing through these updates. God be praised for all that he's doing, and we continue to pray for Jud's total restoration and healing. Until then, we're standing with you.