The Waiting

One of my favorite rock albums of the 1980's (my older readers will remember 'albums'!) was Tom Petty's The Waiting. The lyrics of the title cut run:

"The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part."

Not great poetry, perhaps, but it perfectly reflects my experience, right now. I feel fine. I'm on meds to control possible siezures and swelling of the tumor (both of which keep me out of the driver's seat of my car, other than short trips, not on the freeway). I have some pain pills for headaches I've not needed in recent days.

I'm not scheduled for surgery for 2 1/2 weeks (July 3). I have to undergo some tests prior to surgery, but with one exception, I don't know - yet - when these will occur.

So, all I can do is wait.

I have to say, there is a certain anxiety, having major surgery - on my BRAIN, no less! - hanging over me like this. I wish the surgery could have been scheduled weeks sooner. But, I also know that events are all happening for a reason - that God has providentially arranged things for my good, no matter how this all ultimately works out.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says: "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27).

I'm clinging to that verse, right now. The waiting IS the hardest part - but I know that God is continuing to teach me, growing me through all aspects of this experience; growing me up into the man He knows I can be.