Wednesday Wonder – June 19, 2024

It has been months now since I sat down to write a Wednesday Wonder. Not that there hasn’t been plenty in the world and my life to wonder at, but I am not sure the wonder I was feeling would have been particularly inspirational to others. However, as I prepare to be away from all of you for the next couple of months as I recover from surgery, there is some wonder to share.

I see the wonder in the treatments I have received, and will continue to receive in the future. I see the wonder of having gifted medical staff into whose hands we can place ourselves with trust. And, most importantly, for the last several months I have been seeing the wonder of being part of a community of faith that lives that faith out to the best of its ability, supporting one another, and in particular, providing me with such love and support.

This is my chance to say thank you to each and everyone of you. Everyone has contributed to my ability to stay positive, to keep going, and to, as some of you have told me, continue to inspire you. No, I have not lost my sense of humour, although at times it has turned a little dark. No, I have not lost hope, although at times it was a struggle to see past the moment. And most importantly, no, I have not lost my faith in God. This may be a struggle, but God is just as visible in this hard time as in all the good times that came before. God was the one providing the strength to go on when I was sure I didn’t have it.

Please keep praying that I have that strength, endurance and sense of God’s presence over the next couple of months. I have been warned recovery will take time, and patience is still not a virtue I possess in great quantities. But with your prayers and support, I know I will find enough of it.

My surgery is scheduled to begin early in the morning on Friday, June 21st. I will be in the hospital for several days after that and then home to recuperate for the rest of the time. I would ask that you do not try to visit me in the hospital. I won’t be much for visiting while there. I would also ask that you do not try to visit me at home. Knowing the outpouring of love already received, it would overwhelm my partner, and for a while anyway, me as well.

As we have done since the beginning of my cancer journey, please send cards, emails and best wishes via the church office. Elizabeth will continue to ensure I get them all in a timely fashion.

I do have one special request for you at this time. My world will be relatively small for much of the summer. It will be me on my back deck, in my house, maybe a little outing here and there, but essentially, I am staying close to home. So…

I would love to hear about all the ‘wonder’ you find this summer. Share with me the amazing things you have seen and done. Share all the good news from your families and lives. Every wonder you share will help me continue to find the wonder in life and will contribute to my healing and getting stronger. And, it just might inspire me when I have to start thinking about creating services and sermons again. Elizabeth will forward whatever you send.

I know you will all be holding me in prayer, but I ask that you hold wonder in your hearts as well. I am not the only person facing tough times this summer. Anyone you know, and the many that you don’t, need your prayers for them to have strength, endurance and a sense of God’s presence as well. The wonder of the power of prayer will be more than evident this summer I am sure.

Thank you all again, for the support and love you have given me. I am already being less than patient about how long I have to be away, but I plan to come back ready, and raring to go. Your prayers will help.

Peace,
Rev. Mary-Jane