God's Timing

          One of the lessons that I've learned throughout my life is that the Lord's timing is always right.  And while I admit that I sometimes forget it, our lives and schedules are under His control and He knows our present as well as our future.  I could give many examples of times in my life where this was so obvious.
          For example, for over 25 years we were involved in a family ministry where we had a very full schedule of over 100 programs each year.  And we never had to cancel a program because unplanned events developed.  They always seemed to happen when we had openings in our schedule.  There were two times that we were sick and probably should have canceled.  But we didn't.  Even family emergencies and funerals came when our ministry schedule was open.  We never could have planned for that, but God was in control.
          Last year we decided to give up our jobs as Judge of Elections and Majority Inspector in our local voting precinct.  The May 20 primary will be the first that we haven't had to prepare for and conduct in almost 12 years.  These elections always involved many days and hours of work for me.  And we would have been very busy next week with those responsibilities if we hadn't "retired".
          This past winter we were surprised to learn that we weren't needed to lead Pinebrook hymn sings in April, May and June of this year.  For the last 12 years we have led many of the sings during those months.  I admit that when learning this my feelings fluctuated from disappointment to relief.  And it did unexpectedly open our schedule during these months.
         I also have the early stages of prostate cancer and need an annual biopsy.  I was scheduled to have my third biopsy towards the end of May.  But at my three-month checkup the specialist said that this year we could postpone it for another three months.  That also opened our schedule for this time of the year.  And once again I began to sense that God had some special plans for us during these months.
        Then, about a month ago, I went to the emergency room thinking that I might be having a heart attack.  They decided to admit me to the hospital and began to do a series of tests.  About midnight they ruled out heart and sent me for mri's of my brain and spine.  These were done about 2:30 in the morning.  Then, on Saturday morning, they informed me that I had cervical spine problems that probably were causing my symptoms and maybe also the headaches that I have endured for about 12 years.  They recommended that I contact a neurosurgeon as soon as possible.
         I knew that the surgeon that I wanted because he is highly recommended usually was booked for two to three months in advance. Expecting this to be the case, on Monday I called his office.  The nurse immediately viewed my mri on the computer and said that I should be seen as soon as possible.  About a week later I saw the surgeon and he set up more tests, including a myelogram and more cat scans.  It did take almost two weeks to get these done, but as soon as he read the test reports they quickly set up another appointment.  When we met he showed me how serious and risky my neck problems really were and we immediately set up a date for surgery.  This all happened so very quickly ... and my schedule was open.
        Now I had often said that I would never have neck or back surgery, especially the type where they go through the front of your neck.  I guess I've now learned never to say never.  So on May 19, at 7:45 am, I will have cervical spine surgery that may take four to five hours. I just pray that he can safely solve the possible complications that he said he will face dealing with my problems. I will probably be hospitalized about three days and then very limited for quite some time.  For example, I will not be allowed to drive nor lift for four to six weeks, and I will probably need a neck brace.  What an inconvenience that will be.
         But the amazing thing is that once again our schedule is "open" during these times - no election, no hymn sings, no biopsy, and Awana is over for the season.  And God also performed a miracle in allowing me to go to the emergency ward where the problem was finally found and then by allowing me to be taken care of by an outstanding surgeon, without months of waiting.  God's timing is always perfect.  And it is with the knowledge that he knows and controls our paths, that I can move ahead with the surgery knowing He is in control and the results are in His hands.
          “In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time.  Lord, pleaase show me everyday as you’re teaching me your way, and I’ll do just what you say, in your time.”