Susan LaffertyEighth grade. My bike traveled smoothly, softly in the quiet. On the dirt path through bamboo forests.
Shaded relief from strong tropical sun on a humid day.
Freedom. Breeze lifting my hair.
Lacework of bamboo shadows flowing over me. With bits and pieces of bright sunlight.
Rest.
Two years ago on this day, I sit beside my husband’s bed in the ICU. Two stents newly inserted into one of his arteries. Blood now flowing freely through his heart. In a place formerly 100-percent blocked.
Only hours before, we walk. Drive. Talk. Laugh. Following everyday routines. Ordinary schedules.
Not knowing danger lurks.
Oblivious to unseen, unnoticed blockage wreaking havoc. Beneath the surface. Under skin and flesh and vessel.
Enemy at the gate. In our everyday lives. Enemy of our souls–the deceiver.
Making promises that entice. Feeding our longing for things to be easy. Comfortable.
Highlighting our fears of future unknowns. Making us wonder about God’s good purpose. His ordained plan.
Sometimes it’s tempting to give in to the lie. What sounds better. Almost true.
