Exactly four weeks ago, I wrote a post called "Time for a Reset." I reflected on the fact that my blogging had drifted away from my original intention of imparting grace to friends and family far and near. I'd allowed myself to focus on things of secondary importance and had ignored some things of primary importance.
I published that post at 3:47 P.M. on Tuesday, September 9. My computer recorded the time for me.
Exactly 35 minutes later, at 4:22 P.M., my cell phone rang. I thought it was my 21-year-old son, Preston.
Instead, the call was from an employee of the UNC Wellness Center, using Preston's phone to call me. Preston had collapsed while he was exercising there. We learned a little later that Preston had suffered a stroke.
Irony, much?
I knew I needed a reset, but wow. I thought I'd be re-setting things in a particular way. So much for my particular way.
Sometimes the events of my life go just as I'd hoped and planned. Other times, my hopes and plans are upset in manners big and small. I'm learning that the only way to proceed with sanity and good humor and goodwill toward others is to remember that God reigns.
I had the opportunity this past weekend to spend an extended time with two of the most godly women I've ever known: Mimi Dixon and Margaret Campbell. Here's a photo of them that I snapped on a long walk:
Don't their faces just radiate grace?
In this difficult season of my life, what a gift it was to be with Mimi and Margaret. One of the many things these two women share in common is a deep appreciation for the life and writings of Julian of Norwich. Being with them reminded me of this bit of wisdom from Julian:
"Our good Lord replied to all the questions and doubts that I could
raise, saying most reassuringly:
"I have the ability to make everything
well,
and I have the knowledge to make everything well,
and I have the
wish to make everything well,
and I shall make everything well;
and thou
shalt see for thyself that all manner of thing shall be well."
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
So shall it be.
What's your prayer today?
This is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, the pictures, the words.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs your way.
So glad Preston is better.
Wow....what a powerful post.. I do believe you are writing in this post exactly what you felt in your heart as God was directing you. I am so sorry to hear about Preston and the stroke. It is a joy to read that your trust is still fully in the Lord. What a blessing to enjoy time with other godly women.. how we need each other.. Please let me know how Preston is doing and may your faith increase daily. May the Lord strengthen you and may your words and life continue to be an encouragement to others...Many wonderful blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteOh Richella, I have stood before the Lord as your are today too many times to count. He has always kept His promise that All Is Well. I will continue to pray with you. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to rest and recharge with your friends. I hope everything is going well with your son:) Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSo thankful God is with us in every season of life, that we can cling to the Hope He alone gives us. Thankful for support of family and friends (yours are so lovely!) to make our road less lonely.
ReplyDeleteMy heart and prayers are with you. Thank God he's in control
ReplyDeleteHugs
My prayer today is for you and for Preston and for your entire family. How surprising life can be. Thank God that He IS a sovereign God and that He has you all in His care. Praying that even in this struggle you'll feel His presence in an amazing way.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you dear Richella,
Patti
Hello Richella, You have been on my heart! I was going to Email you but thought no I will go visit her Blog!
ReplyDeleteI have had such a sad feeling about reading this about your son. As my son was having chest pains a few weeks back and was in the hospital! The stress and things are hitting us all. I think when I look at the purpose of my blogging it has to be Christ centered or I am just wasting my time, and maybe others time.
I always look for the grace, but I know I have an accountability to God and others. I will be praying for you and your son! You are a very special lady and I am so glad God has given you some Godly friends. Where would we be without them? Yours, Roxy xo
Richella, I am so sorry for all you have gone through! Still praying for Preston and believing God to see him through. God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteMay God richly bless you and your family. I call for the healing virtue of Jesus Christ to flow through Preston's body opening blocked vessels or arteries, dissolving any clots, and bringing oxygen richly to every cell in his body. I call for complete healing from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ by the power of the blood for the sake of the stripes he took for our healing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Richella! That is amazing that you were pointed to higher things right before Preston's stroke. Praying that he is healing well, and I am so glad that you were able to recharge with lovely friends in gorgeous autumn outdoors! xo
ReplyDelete