A little over two weeks ago, we received news of a head-on collision involving some of our children and a grandchild . . . the following day, I received news from the doctor about my husband needing a cardiac catheterization. A few days later, less than two weeks ago, that test revealed he needed emergency heart bypass surgery, including a 99% blockage in a major artery.

Life has been surreal, a bit of a blur, in the days since then.

But things are beginning to settle down . . . successful surgeries completed, everybody home from the hospitals, two families developing a new rhythm of life as healing is in process.

And each of us continuing to express deep gratitude for God’s gift of life. For God’s undergirding presence, granting calmness and peace, even before knowing what the outcome would be.

God promises to provide strength for the moment. And God has done so in more ways than I can count . . . and you would want to read!

But one way is found in my last blog, written on the day before what turned out to be a long surgery to save my husband’s life. The words brought me to tears as they gave testimony to God reminding me, even before I knew I needed it, no matter what we face, God will provide strength for our every moment.

. . . on all our days, in all our circumstances. In our joys, and in our sorrows. In the known, and in the unknown . . . 

Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;
The flame shall not hurt you; I only design
Your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!  How Firm a Foundation

and a line from an obscure verse of this hymn . . . as your days may demand, so shall your strength ever be.

For certainly as my days have been, so my strength has been . . . .