In this season of grim days and dim days it is so good to have a reason to celebrate! Today is my wonderful wife's birthday and what a different one it is proving to be from the last 21. The past year has seen a remarkable transformation in our lives as amazing space-age surgery has set me free from chronic and recurring acute pancreatitis and everything that belongs to it. Diane has had to be my carer for most of that time, trudging the grimy streets of London alone scores of times while I was in hospital again. We have said 'goodbye' to each other more times than I want to recall when we have been warned that there was a '1 in 3' chance I would not survive this procedure or surgery. Her faithfulness has mirrored to me the character of the God we both love and serve. She has been 'Christ' to me in so many ways. I am glad that she has her voice back after a recent cold stole her joy in singing. In better weather Diane spends time in her shed, reading the Bible in several versions - even in French - and singing hymns and songs. I hesitate to tell her that everyone in the neighbourhood can hear her, but that would not stop her, nor would I want it to. God is glorified in this touching simplicity of love and faith together with its open heart and honest questions. What is there not to love?
We read together this morning from Psalm 13 in the Message version of the Bible. It says:
1 Long enough, GOD—you’ve ignored me long enough. I’ve looked at the back of your head long enough.
2 Long enough I’ve carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me.
3 Take a good look at me, GOD, my God; I want to look life in the eye,
4 So no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face.
5 I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue.
6 I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.
Well that just about sums up this day. Happy Birthday my glorious wife - and many, many happy returns!
