Beautiful Moments...Beautiful Mercy...Beautiful Buddy

It was already humid early this morning as I made my way to the hospital.  As I walked in the quiet morning, I prayed.  Prayed for my sweet sister...mostly for healing but also that her day would be good, and that our time together would be sweet.  It was so sweet.  I had the privilege of sharing the morning with my baby sister.  Just her and I and sweet visits from Jesus.  He takes so many forms.  A lovely Christian nurse who came to thank Sandra for her strong witness in the trauma unit. "the sun is pouring into your room here," she said, "but that is not the only light in this room".  She shared a verse with Sandra from Job 8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."  Sandra immediately got out her Bible to see what else that chapter had to say.  She looks for God in every moment of her day and He most definitely has filled her with laughter.  As we share our usual sisterly banter she reaches for her neck brace and hangs on while her body shakes with laughter and I try my best not to let the tears form.  Tears of joy that I may share this very moment with my precious sister.  Later Jesus shows himself in a dear sister in the Lord who sits beside Sandra at lunch, holds her hand and excitedly shares with her what God has been teaching her through Sandra's journey.  Many more sweet moments come an go through the day, but I am struck by the sense that God is in it all and as promised He has not forsaken any of us. 
We are overwhelmed as a family at the way we can sense the many prayers on all of our behalves.  A colleague who has become a friend to both my sister and I, shares his specific prayer items for Sandra, myself and our entire family...he has everyone he knows praying and knows that they will not stop for a long time.  Close friends of mine and Terry provide a meal and a beautiful retreat for the evening and we are loved an refreshed.
Come back to Friday for just a moment with me. Sandra's and my children, who attend the same school had their track and field day.  Near the end of the day the grade one's had there 400 meter run.  I was moved to tears as the last little fellow struggled to complete his race, his teacher Rachel deHann runs beside him on the inside of the track, cheering and encouraging, him with every little step he takes.  I felt it was a beautiful reminder of how God is running this race with us.  Even though some of this journey can be painful, He continues to run along side of us reminding us that we are not alone, that He believes in us, and that He will provide the strength we need to complete it.  Not only that, we are surrounded by an amazing cheering section of people who are praying for and supporting our family.
I know that my sister's goal is to honour and praise God with each moment of her life and to live out Philippians 3:12-14  She is well on her way.
I am personally so thankful for the mercies we see each day.  That I can have a day with my "Buddy" and still giggle with her at things only she and I understand because her memories are in tact is no small mercy....neither is being able to feel her arms around me.  Praise God that His mercies are new every morning!!!
Part of our day included a bit of a spa treatment...after her hair was done we took this picture of my gorgeous sister. ~cb

Hello All!!  Thanks for praying for me!!