The Wait

It is 10:55 a.m. and my daughter's boyfriend and I are waiting for my daughter to get ready for a bone scan at the hospital. As my daughter fills out information papers with the receptionist, the hands of time on the face of the clock seem to stand still. The "Please take a number" cards show "27"; my daughter's number is 19. And the waiting begins.

People come and go. Each life is different. People in wheelchairs and people walking with crutches come and go through the doors of the hospital room. It is now 1:05 p.m. and my daughter has gone for her bone scan and we wait again, yet not alone, as other people are waiting also. Everyone in this room has a story, and everyone is anxious and worried about their loved one's results.

It is now 3:05 p.m. and my daughter's bone scan is finally over. As we drive home, the waiting begins again, as we wait for the test results. It is at times like these that we cry out to God, from the very depths of our being, for help, for healing, and for peace.

Psalm 130:1,2 – Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! (NRSV)

It is at times like these that God is with us. He will give us the strength, the comfort, and the hope to carry on. It is His Word that will remain with us forever, and it is His Word that will turn our sorrow into joy and give us peace.

My daughter's test results came back negative. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Hear our cries, O Father, when we are faced with trials that are hard to bear. Grant us strength and peace, as we trust in You. Amen.