Tuesday, April 03, 2007

On the Way, Off the Path

I wrote a few days ago about looking for the path through this new territory. After talking w/ the doctors & a few tests this morning, they're telling us that there is no path. There is only forest through which Regan is carving out the path she wants to take rather than walking in others' footsteps.

The Update:
Her CT Scan was normal and her "numbers" all look good today. Apparently, there was no evidence of a stroke-like event or swelling in her brain. She has been very tired, but she has been interacting w/ us when awake & has also been a little feisty about the back of her scalp itching. She is breathing better now than w/ all of the treatments she had over the last week. She is only receiving supportive care right now--we're not assertively trying to keep her with us. She just refuses to give up. Her neurologist calls her a "fighter."

They can't explain what happened--she was obviously leaving us. They also can't tell us what to expect...at all. So, we have to treat her clinically based on what she presents. Which (strangely) is what we've been doing the last five years anyway. We're going to begin the process of downgrading from ICU to InterMediate Care as we begin a transition plan to go home. This will take several days of clearing a few hurdles first. But if she (& we) make(s) all the hurdles it means we'll eventually be home caring for Regan as long as God grants us the grace of her presence.

The Musings: (Please give me a break...I'm a preacher stuck in a hospital with a little girl who sleeps during my sermons...There are a lot of words inside looking for an audience.)
And so it strikes me that we're living in the same place you are...none of us knows when we or our kids will no longer be measured by time. We don't get to pick our Day. So as Christians we live the Resurrection every day in God's grace. The writer of Hebrews says it this way when talking about God's people who did not enter the Promised Land: "Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today...if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts...there remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God...Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest." (Heb 4.7-11) The Rest for Today is not on a piece of dirt, a certain day of the week, a certain political situation, a certain lineage, or a certain life circumstance--the Rest for Today is a life lived in Christ Today, regardless of circumstances--A Resurrection Life.

The Resurrection Life is a life according to the promises of God. Abraham is our model--"When called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, he obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. He made his home in the Promised Land and lived in tents because he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect & builder is God." (Heb 11.8-10)

And that's where we live...with you. She put us on this path 5 years ago--Easter Week. And Today, Easter Week five years later she's still carving this journey out of the forest. But she's not alone. I'm convinced she's following Jesus into the trees. I pray that Regan's continuing journey will be an inspiration to you about living with Resurrection Life, no matter how long she or you have left to walk it.

(The Altar Call will be Sunday at your local church.)

10 comments:

sgowin said...

Brian, can I dare to muse with you? I was finishing up the last few chapters of Acts today (yes, I am way behind on my 5x5x5 reading plan! :), the whole time with Regan in the back of my mind and yet not thinking that this particular passage would speak to her situation. But it struck me that Paul was on a long journey to Rome, believing it would be the end, and yet he was still compelled to go and preach Jesus, even with chains. God used him to share his message to many, even through a major storm along the way. And yet even after all that, God allowed him to live in his own home and continue to preach "boldly and without hindrance...the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." It's amazing what our sovereign Lord does in spite of where we think He is going. Regan, you are one of the best preachers I know!

puzzlepiecesista said...

Hi, I don't know any of you but I was led to your blog site by a "sista" blogger from Beth Moore's site. I just finished reading some of the most recent entries and I sit with tears streaming down my cheeks. I am so deeply moved by your story and want to say that your faith is a true testament to even a stranger. I will be praying for you all. With my spiritual eyes I can see little Regan walking directly in the footsteps of Jesus, her little footprints within His big and mighty ones. He is so leading her through this forest and she is more than okay!! I pray you all continue to have a faith that is "resurrected" every day and thank you for the blessing you have been to me today!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!

In His Great Love,
Angela Larson
Redmond, WA

Judy Horn said...

The sermons "preached" by Regan and the rest of your family are ones which I -- and many, many other people -- will remember. The analogy of carving a path through the trees is really powerful; that is life as it is! However, thinking of life as it will be is even more powerful. Ron Otto has been reminding us of that the last two weeks in his sermons from our pulpit. You are all an inspiration to me; thank you for baring yourselves to us through this blogspot. It helps us know how best to pray for Regan, and for you and your family. I pray the God of peace will continue to be with you and offer you comfort and strength as this path continues to unfold before you. Blessings to all of you.
Judy

The McKnights said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The McKnights said...

Justin, Paxton and I are praying with you guys. You are all so dearly loved by friends in Kansas too! God remains faithful to his beloved children no matter what part of the forest they tread...Regan know that full well! Praise God!

Julie Russell said...

Thank you, Jesus, for one more day.
To Regan, you are truly amazing. How God loves to pour out his blessings through you!!!
I love you!!

Les said...

From an old Salina friend ...

Brian and Chantell, thank you for your testimony. Vance's mom here in Fredonia alerted us today of Regan's condition and your site. Small world, huh?

It sounds like God has given you a blessed story to share not only from the pulpit and in a blog, but one day in a book that will make a difference for even more people.

Our family will add our prayers to the thousands of others. Grace and peace be yours.

Leslie M

Julie Russell said...

Telephone, internet, my mom...three reliable methods of mass communication.
From Vance

Unknown said...

Tiffany sent us a link to your blog and I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you tonight.
love,
Jason & Erin Rowland (in Denver)

Shanda said...

Brian and Chantell I just found out of Regan's journey this past weekend. I finally have stopped cring long enough to type. Regan is following in her Grandfather's and Father's footsteps. She is now added to the this list of ministers that has brought me to tears not from just saddness, but from her walk the Lord and her ability to challenge me in my walk. Thank you for shareing the journey. In my prayers and thoughts.