We Wait for Joy

An entire state away, a family waits and worships as their tiny two-year-old succumbs to the ravages of cancer.  Sweet Piper has battled valiantly; the leukemia has just been too vicious in its attack.  Her mama writes, recording for a world to see, all the struggles and the victories.  How it hurts now to read her words.  How much more it hurts her to write them!

We have watched and waited, we have praised and prayed, and we have hoped with a hope that can only come from a faithful God.  He has heard our prayers--those uttered by family, by friends, by friends of friends, and by strangers alike.  He has not ignored our pleas, nor is He capricious in which prayers He chooses to answer.  He is God.  He sees a thousand tomorrows while we can only see the here and now.  He sees the beauty that will come while we can only see the dark ashes that are our now. 

I do not know Piper, nor do I know her parents.  I've never met them face-to-face, and, yet, I've never been so touched by strangers.  I am a friend of a friend who has heard the story and wished and prayed and waited for God to move in Sweet Piper's life.  And though He did not move according to my will, He did move.  He has moved to make Sweet Piper's life count.   He has blessed Linley's journey even as she has her head shaved to honor her sister's fight.   He has used her father's strength and brokenness to show a father's love.  And He has magnified her mother's hope and pain, giving words to both so that all could know and see how great is her God.  Is there any greater purpose for our own lives than to touch others for our Father?  Sweet Piper has served Him well.

Sorrow is the bitter sting of letting go long before we desire.  It lingers long, as we wait for morning, as we wait for joy, for He has promised that joy will come in the morning.  And His promises are true.  Lord Jesus, we wait for the Joy.  We wait for You.

For her mother's blog, please go to www.needhamcrew.blogspot.com.
Sweet blessings.