Hezekiah’s 15 minus 1

Update

On August 21, 2022 I celebrated my one year ‘anniversary’ of surviving congestive heart failure (CHF). My self-named year of probation is over! You see, last year when all of this happened I asked the Lord for 15 more years (or more) of healthy life – the same amount of time He granted Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20.1-6.

So, what does that even mean? I can only answer from my personal perspective but at this time last year I felt defeated, at the end, rather ho-hum about my personal future. The things I am passionate about such as my writing, our home, road trips diminished. I did continue to write a bit, always kept our home neat, clean, and tidy, and, of course we continued to take weekend rides and short camping trips. But, I kept an edge on all of those things.

Today, I feel as though I’m out of time-out! I’ve sat in the corner with my nose to the wall long enough. I really can’t explain it and perhaps only those who have gone through something life-threatening can relate.

Remember Joshua?

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, “Moses My servant is dead. Now, therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them — the children of Israel…” Joshua 1.1-2

Most likely, the time of mourning for Moses, was 30 days. I’m a little slow – it has taken me one year! You see, I’ve been grieving “normal.”

Grieving ALWAYS has its place – some take longer than others. Some grieve for years, some grieve for months, and some never stop grieving. But I am one that must put a boundary on something sovereignly dictated by God, our Father. God allowed my diagnosis – I’m sure my foolishness about certain medical conditions played into it but His grace allowed me to come through the trial.

Mercy & Grace

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it has been God’s mercy and grace that have seen me through this year. And, I am beyond grateful. I love life. I love everything about living and enjoying the blessings God has graciously bestowed upon us. Last August was a definite setback for us. It affected both my husband and me, and all our children and grandchildren. But, it’s over.

I have some writing plans. We have a big trip plan if gasoline prices ever drop under three dollars a gallon! And, our fall season is full of short trips here and there.

It Always Begins and Ends with God’s Truth

Every single moment of my life is dependent on what God wants for us. I spent too many years teetering on that proverbial fence between God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will and the enticement of worldly pleasure to question His ways and means! I am unabashedly devoted to Him and Truth.

Here’s to (at least) 14 more good and blessed years!

Grace & Hope,

Sus’

P.S. Is it time for you to give yourself grace and come out of that funk? To stand up and say, “God You’ve got this and You’ve got me – now let’s go do something for the Kingdom!” Let me know in the comments or by all means email me at [email protected] – I answer every comment and email.