Anniversaries

Many of you who know me, know that I tote along a black Moleskin notebook most of the time. In that black book get written all sorts of things from business notes and ideas, church happenings to personal thoughts and last but not least my “prayer connectors” list. Each notebook gets a volume number and date attached to it and they have been an invaluable resource in helping with keeping all things “Marc Gordon” running straight. Please, please if you ever find one of these in an errant location, know that it’s owner is probably freaking out and if you could get it back safely that would be much appreciated.

Well several weeks back I was flipping through the past year of notes and I came to realize that this coming week marks two different anniversaries on this journey with Val. The first anniversary marks the 5th year since her diagnosis of breast cancer. The details of that day back in 2016 when she called with the news are still vivid and it is hard to believe it has been that long already! The second anniversary this week marks one year from when we brought her home from her final stomach surgery. The details of busting her out of the hospital in the midst of a pandemic are also pretty fresh!

In all of that looking back it is wonderful to see the way that Lord has carried us through very trying times. Times that were strain beyond measure, when hard questions were asked and the future very unknown. Her health continues to be strong and she lives a more normal life than we could every have imagined. When I look at my wife, I see strength beyond measure and am so blessed that she is still here. I have noticed lately being even more appreciative of the little things that she does and have enjoyed thanking her more.

When I closed out this blog post from a year ago I wrote the following:

“Both Val and I continue to live solidly in the present, enjoying the littler things in life and time spent with each other.  We also have continued to grow in our faith that the Lord is not surprised and He has all things under His control.  Believe me, I know that doesn’t mean life always smells like roses.  There has been plenty of loss in our family for me to know otherwise.  There is a resolve though, knowing that ultimately He is working to make us all more like His Son.  That is definitely a process each one of us on our own journey can attest to and appreciate.”

I can honestly say that the sentiment written above holds truer today in March of 2021. It has been important for me to remain grounded in the fact that the Lord doesn’t promise that life will be easy, He just promises to walk through it with us. That in the process of that journey, it is ok to question and have struggles and anxiety about what the future holds. That He can handle those questions and love us still all the more, ultimately molding us to be more like His Son, to have an impact on this world for His Kingdom.

So, once again if you find one of those black books lost somewhere look in the front cover because all the contact information in the world is listed there in order to get it back to it’s owner safely. And also realize that small disciplines might seem little and of not much importance at the time but that over time they provide a rich blessing.

Much love: Marc & Valerie