Dad continues to regain his strength. By the end of July he was mowing his lawn, using his self-propelled mower and taking it in small chunks. The garden Mom worked so hard on (and even enlisted help from friends to get planted) is growing beautifully. Dad still has numbness in both his hands and feet which makes it harder for him to type, but he's taking it in stride and is back to doing most of the things he did before he contracted COVID-19.
He and Mom are so happy to be back together. And I love thinking of them during the day, working in the yard, enjoying fresh garden tomatoes on their BLT's for lunch, or sitting in their chairs in the living room after supper with Dad reading the paper and Mom her magazines. It makes me feel like life is back to normal, at least for them.
But they would be the first to agree that the world isn't back to normal. There are still so many people who are mourning their loved ones or on the phone trying desperately to get someone to tell them something about a father or husband or grandmother who has contracted COVID. There are people who have lost their business, which was their life's work, or have lost a job and their ability to provide for their family. There are people living in fear and wondering what will happen to them and their children or grandchildren.
I understand, because fear has been my constant companion for years. But after all that Dad went through, after all that we went through fighting for him, I know this: God is worthy of my trust (even though He may need to keep reminding me of it!).
And I think again of Psalm 23--it isn't just a funeral platitude; it is the absolute truth. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will lead us through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, where even in the darkness we don't need to fear because He is with us! He will protect us with His staff so that no one can take us from Him. He will anoint us with healing oil that soothes our souls. And one day those who believe in Jesus will dwell with Him in the house of the LORD forever. In that place there will be no more fear or sickness or hatred or evil. God Himself "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:14). What glorious hope!
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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