Early in this journey of life you think you have plenty of time time to go places, see people, do things then a flat tire needs patching, there’s rust in the pipes, That chassis could use some duct tape, your engine is faulty. Open heart surgery is the only remedy the surgeon says, but not an option for you, things are unfixable, your plenty of time is running out. When the wheels begin to come off, this journey of life begins to shift from thoughts of this side of heaven to what lies beyond, to the One who numbers the stars and calls them each by name and who knows the day my warranty expires.
Sooner or later, we all turn to thoughts of what is beyond. We have faith it is better. I hope this is a rhetorical look to the future.
I thought I might still be “fixable,” so not so rhetorical anymore!
You are in my prayers, Joy.
Bless you, John.
Dear Joy…if I’m understanding correctly, I’m so very sorry to hear this news. I’m sending love and prayers…in abundance. ❤️
Thanks, Vicki. A surprise but my odds of surviving the surgery aren’t worth the risk. I’m okay, just hoped I was still fixable!
I wish I was closer so I could give you a proper hug. Love you, my friend.
❤️❤️❤️
I’m savoring your CyberHug, Vicki!
Good, good! You can have as many as you want. On demand! 🥰❤️🥰
I love your poem, although I’m very sorry to read of your unfixable health issue.
Aortic aneurism + age. Getting used to the idea!
This whole aging thing is not an easy road to travel.
Selfishly, we want you to remain forever so that we can continue to enjoy your writings and insights. Unselfishly we hate to see you suffer; we’re sorry for you to have to endure the unknowns as aging adds one trouble upon another.
As you and I share the same number of birthdays (the candles on the cake are so numerous that they set off the fire alarms!) we also share a sure hope in an eternity lived without sin or sorrow. More so, this eternal life is an experience of eternal joy ( unintentional pun) in the presence of our glorious and gracious Savior.
I pray that you and your favorite guy will have much time yet to enjoy this life together, always knowing that the best is yet to come.
Amen, Bob! There’s no suffering with this one (aortic aneurism + age), so I was focused on the Crohn’s, which still isn’t being controlled. Yes, the hope of heaven! Thank you, Bob.
So sorry it’s gotten to this point, but we all know it comes to all of us at some time in some way. But I’m thankful that we both have the hope of heaven. Connie and I will be praying for you. As long as the Lord has you here, He has something for you. I think you’re doing it–being an encouragement to us all. Thank you.
Bless you, Dennis, and also Connie. In a way it’s freeing, and it certainly helps sharpen your focus.
Beautifully expressed, Joy. Sending you best wishes.
Bless you, Wynne.
Joy, this not the best news, even if it is delivered in a lovely poem. I’m so sorry that that cardiac thing isn’t fixable at our age. Maybe something can be done about the Crohn’s. The day will come to each of us in our turn, but then our Lord has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in that house of many rooms. And that place has no pain, no aortic aneurisms, no Crohn’s, no Fibromyalgia, none! Until then, we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing because that certainly appears to be God’s will.
Amen, Gail. In a way, the news has felt freeing. The Crohn’s still isn’t under control, but there’s options for it. Looking forward to that place God has prepared for me!
Not for a while, my friend. He still needs you here!🙏❤️
I’m okay with that as well, Gail!
This was beautiful.
Welcome, McKenna. Thank you for your comment!
more than just a little bit relatable in my wobbly-wheel life at the moment!
Linda xx
A truthful story for all of us.
Amen, GP.
I’m sorry. I’ve had a couple of seasons when I thought I was no longer fixable, and the reality of heaven loomed close….. so, I understand when you say it’s “freeing” in some ways. Yet, at the same time, it’s hard to grapple with the reality of what it means. I had a friend say once that although we know we will all take that trip someday, it’s a different experience when you’ve actually received your boarding pass. I took comfort in knowing that God numbered our days, long before we knew Him, and regardless of what medical opinions we hear, He has already chosen the exact day for us….. and His plans cannot be thwarted. I’ve been meditating on this lately:
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom….. Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all of our days. Psalm 90:12 & 14
You’ve always demonstrated this approach to life well. Praying that as you live your days (however many He’s chosen, knowing none of us knows how many we have) that He will bring many opportunities for joy, creating, and freedom from the Crohn’s symptoms that are plauging you these days. Let me know when you’d like a visit. Love you. 🩵
Bless you, Lynne. Yes to fixing the Crohn’s symptoms. It’ll be 4 weeks tomorrow, so I guess it’s time to check in. Yes to a visit sometime. I’ve run into the book Unoffendable. Hey, there’s another freeing and Godly idea!
It does seem that we all end up at that spot. My best hope and prayers for you, Joy, that you will deal with this the best you can.
I will! Thank you, Tim. Our online community is certainly a godsend!
Someone as precious as you are deserves my hope and prayers, Joy.
Bless you, Tim, for the dear comment.
I know our loving God loves all of His children and desires for them to be with Him, but there are those who, like angels, bless the world, always giving, always sacrificing for others. You, my dear friend, humble me with your love and talent, and I will thank our Lord for you and pray He wraps His arms around you.
Bless you, Dave. It’s aortic aneurism plus age, but the news is surprisingly freeing! Now to get this Crohn’s under control. I’ve been on a steroid for a month, so maybe time for Plan B?
We need a pandemic of your unwavering faith. Your passion for the Lord and what he has promised for those who believe in him needs to go viral. Your kindness needs to go viral. Your respect for others needs to go viral. You have shown your love for God and for your neighbor-the two greatest commandments. I pray that you feel better soon and will be able to enjoy many more days on the porch with your favorite Guy. Thank you, Joy!
What a blessing you are, Nancy! Your note may just be the nudge I need to get serious about a memoir. I can tell that a main theme will be unwavering faith through several losses, but was the doctor’s announcement a loss? We both felt an unexpected freedom as we headed to the car!
Time frames, schmime frames… one never knows for sure, and that includes Doctors. Surrounding you with loads of love, light and laughter! <3
Thank you, Annette!
Thank you for your kind words, Joy. A personal memoir would be wonderful-the perfect compliment to all your books chronicling your family’s legacy. I sure do wish your glorious attitude could be harnessed. Go for it, Joy! 🙏✝️🙏
Sending love and hugs. xo
Thank you, Darlene.
The quote, “Joy is the serious business of heaven,’ by C.S. Lewis came to me as I read your post. God is good. He is always good. In all things, He works for our good and deep within our souls, He works His miracles of love. You are precious to God, and I know He will cover you in His peace. Every day is a gift, but eternity stretches before us and it is a place of joy. Praying for you in these hours. Ultimately, God is our best physician. He knows the number of hairs on our head at any given moment. We cast our cares on Him because He cares so deeply for us. (1 Peter 5:7) I do hope you begin writing your personal memoir…such a gift with your writing. Thank you for sharing that gift with all of us. Hugs to you!!!
Linda, you made my day!