I will thank you always that you went into action. And I’ll stay right here, your good name my hope.
~Psalm 52:9 (The Message)
 |
||
| Ollie before surgery with Chip and Amy. I think my sister Nicole took this photo… |
Funny thing about these “Devo Day” posts. Back in June when I committed—gasp—I thought it might be hard to come up with a weekly “serious” post. Instead, ideas keep hitting me like grenades—happy, unharmful ones—to the point that I’ve moved from listing ideas on the whiteboard in my writing room to keeping an idea notebook with me.
Probably has something to do with the slew of nonfiction books I’m guzzling like a marathon runner and her water. (Did I just compare myself to a marathon-er? That calls for an LOL.) Being more of a novel girl—bring on the stories!—this is unusual. But also…heart-moving. Maybe more on that another day.
But here’s the thing: For all the thoughts playing kaleidoscope in my head these days, this particular week painted a fresh, solid-colored layer over everything else. And accompanying that covering, immense peace and crazy joy.
Oliver, my adorable nephew who, yes, I’ve blogged about numerous times, finally had his major open heart surgery on Tuesday. It was a long day, an emotional and somewhat tense day—probably, definitely more so for my sister and brother-in-law—but in the end, a happy day as Ollie pulled through surgery! Recovery will likely take some time, and he may face future heart fixes, but at this point, he is doing well.
During this week, both before surgery and after, God has done a sort of Frank Sinatra number on my heart. In a smooth, clear, close-your-eyes-and-drink-it-in voice, He has reminded me—in those hours spent in the hospital, in photos and videos captured before surgery, in Ollie’s adorable smile—that He is present. He is good. He is love…powerful love!
And that love demands a response. On different days response blooms different ways. But today…all I can do is say thank you. Thank you, God!
And spread the joy…
 |
| Ollie after surgery… |
So here’s a question: How has God wow-ed you this week? Oh, and if you’re interested, you can read more details on Ollie’s progress here.
Comments 7
THAT IS AWESOME!!!! I teared up, but when I saw the video…no words.
The Lord brought a brilliant revelation through my 12 year old daughter this week. It was amazing. I’ll be blogging about it next Wed.
So glad all is going well with baby Ollie! 🙂
Ooh, I’m excited to read about the thing with your daughter next week!
And, yeah, I’ve watched the video probably a dozen times since Tuesday. I am so floored by God’s goodness to Amy and Chip and Ollie!
Oh, I love, love, love that video of Ollie. I haven’t met him (yet), but love that little boy and will continue to pray for him.
This week was one of unexpected change … but God’s fingerprints were all over it. Even as I shed some tears, I smiled knowing the closing of a door was the right occurrence — a God-directed event.
I especially loved the last couple paragraphs of this blog. My response is to give praise, glory and thanksgiving to God for every single moment we have been able to spend with His miraculous gift to our family….Ollie!
Thanks for praying for Ollie, Beth! Been praying lots for you, too…I’ll get to see you and give you a big hug in September, right?!
Yaayy, Mom, you commented. 🙂 Ollie is blessed to have you and dad for grandparents, that’s for sure!
Such a beautiful post, Melissa! Found your blog via Jessica Patch. So glad to hear that Ollie came through surgery with flying colors. He is adorable!
Have a wonderful week full of God’s blessings!
Oh yay, thanks for visiting, Maria! I will have to check out your site too. Yes, Ollie is sooo adorable…and such a miracle. I could (and do) gush about him constantly. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!