Great Jumping Hailstones

The afternoon was clear and balmy. Then the clouds started rolling in, the wind picked up, and a little rain started to fall. That was all great; we pray for rain to combat the forest fires that are raging all around us. But soon the wind was whipping the trees around and the rain grew harder. Within seconds large hailstones were pounding the windows and doors, driven by the wind. Minutes later hail, wind, and rain abated. Roads were flooded with the rainwater covered by floating hailstones.

I went out to survey the damage in the flower beds and vegetable garden. Most of the garden had gone from lush foliage to broken leaves and stems in the few minutes that the storm had taken to sweep through our valley. But their roots are still in the ground, and some of the vines and fruit remain. I am eager to see what becomes of them with the return of sun and milder weather. In contrast to all the battered looking plants struggling for survival, the low growing herbs look undamaged, and the aroma they give was only enhanced by the force of the hail.

I am reminded of Satan's vicious attack on Job--the suddenness of destruction. I am reminded of the beauty of redemption and restoration. I am reminded of sacrifices of praise in the midst of affliction.

Our loving and sovereign God's faithfulness is great indeed. His mercies are new every morning.

Surprises and Faith

Everything has been so perfectly average--and therefore predictable--with our daughter Christina's pregnancy. In the thirty-third week of gestation, all seemed blessedly tranquil for the final seven (more or less) weeks of pregnancy. Then on Monday afternoon as she went about her normal activities, she suddenly was taken by severe back cramps that didn't let up, and the sensation of contractions. After a couple hours her husband Ben took her into the hospital where her contractions and the baby's heartbeat were monitored. Since she was not dilating and none of the usual symptoms of emergency were present, she returned home. When the contractions increased in intensity and frequency (5 in an hour) on Wednesday morning, she returned to the hospital for further monitoring.

My heart is heavy as I see my only child facing the unprecedented. Combating the initial alarm with thoughts about God's goodness, I recall the fact that He Himself is the one knitting Ian together in his mother's womb, the truth that His love for both of them as well as for Ben is infinitely greater than ours. Obviously I am helpless to do anything but to encourage them to find peace and comfort in their loving, powerful, and sovereign Lord. They too feel a helplessness to protect the little son that they have come to love so fervently. However they too trust the loving sovereignty of God. We rest in His gracious favor to us, and trust that whatever comes, it is good because He is good and can do no evil.

So as the contractions increase or decrease in intensity and frequency, I rest in the knowledge that my children, my grandchild, are cradled in His loving hand.

God be merciful to us all.