Don't let the sun go down on today...

Chill day today. Chelsea and I kinda slept in 'till around 10amish before we started getting ready for the day. I would have rather got up earlier and made most of the day. I love those days where you feel like you've done so much, and, wow - look at the time, it's only noon... I have a whole day left.

Instead, by the time we got ready, headed to the hospital, and spent a few hours with dad, it was already 3pm. My first thought was - ahh... I don't want the sun to go down. That means its the night before the night before the surgery.

Dad wasn't doing so hot today. He hasn't been doing well the past few weeks. Straight up, I think we're all convinced that if this transplant doesn't go down on Monday, dad won't last longer than a month or so. And he's ready to give up. He's so fed up with everything. He's been sick for so long that we, including himself, have forgotten what its like for him to be well... his hearty laugh, his chubby cheeks...

It was good to spend time with him.

Well, the sun's gone down. Mom took Chel and I out for dinner. Good bonding. I told them over dinner, "I waned to post a little tribute to 'the women in my life' tonight on the blog, just in case anything happens on Monday."

In unison, Chelsea and mom both exclaimed, "Josh... don't say that!"

Hahaha! Nothing is going to happen - everything is going to be fine... I know it. But I still have to pay tribute to the wonderful wives.

First, Chelsea. Everyone who is close to Chelsea knows that she's made a drastic transformation. She's not only become a fabulous wife, but a strong, confident, resilient woman. She is my rock. She always says what I need to hear. She's always there for me when I'm being a big sappy baby. She gives of herself everyday. God, I pray you'll continue to be Chelsea's strength. Continue to listen to the prayers she prays in her heart and give her the ears to listen for your soft spoken response. Continue to reveal your grace through her life.

Second, Linda (mom). Hands down - the most committed, brazen wife I've ever met. She has seen my dad/family through thick and thin. She is my dad's saviour. She's my dad's rock. She's my dad's everything. I have no idea where my family would be today without her prayers. God, I pray that you'll give mom a peace beyond comprehension. Restore in her anything that is lacking and mend anything that is broken. Continue to show your perfect love through her example.

Thank you so much everyone who has loved us through this situation. We draw strength from your encouragement and your love. Please continue to poor it on. Our family can't wait for an opportunity to love you all back.

~

'Nancy' posted a verse... I'm sure her intention was just to encourage me. But she did far more.

About 10 years ago, my youth group went on a 'Youth Retreat', not sure where. I didn't get to go. I was a bit of a wild child in my younger years. I can't remember why, but my parents didn't want me to go on the retreat. I was devastated. I loved those retreats.

On this retreat, a pastor by the name of Richard Gill spoke. On one of the evenings, before his sermon began, he asked, "Where is Josh? Is there a Josh here?"

My youth pastor (Pastor Rob) replied, "He's a member of our group, but he didn't come this weekend. Why?"

"I have a verse you need to give to him."

When the youth arrived back, my pastor found me and reported, "Josh - Pastor Gill had a prophetic word for you that you missed out on because you didn't come on the retreat!" He sat me down and gave me the verse. "Joshua chapter one... but especially verses 6-9."

"Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Ever since, that verse has been weighing on my heart and mind. A) because I thought it was incredibly powerful, and B) because I had a feeling in my gut that it was going to be pivotal in my life, at some point.

Now, 10 years later, here I am being reminded of that same verse by Nancy... Joshua 1:9... the verse that for so long I tried to find a deeper meaning to... tried to find its application in my life... that I had given up on because I couldn't find it's purpose.

Now, more appropriately then ever, do I need to hear these words right from the mouth of Father himself...

Son, be strong and courageous! Stop being afraid or discouraged. I'm with you wherever you go!

Thank you Nancy - and thank all of you who have posted spiritual encouragement. Every word strengthens our heart and spirit.