The waiting that has begun...
December 25, 2011
Many years ago, when it was my great ambition to become a Professor of English Renaissance Literature, and to lecture at some charming Canadian university (with leather patches on the elbows of my corduroy jacket, of course), my Three Dead Men (that is, my three non-living role models) were John Milton, John Donne and George Herbert: to me, the Christian good guys in the world of English Renaissance poetry.
And so it was, that as I woke up on the second day at home since being discharged from the hospital, I remembered this favourite sonnet of mine, written by Milton about his inability to serve the Lord as he intended to, because of loss of his eye-sight. With apologies to all those who actually hate poetry.
When I consider how my light is spent
E're half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Master, and present
My true account, lest he, returning, chide.
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But patience to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly! Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o're land and ocean without rest.
They also serve who only stand and wait."
All of which is to say that I am already really looking forward to getting back to work, preaching and teaching the gospel of our living and glorious Lord Jesus Christ (Merry Christmas to you all, by the way!) -- and that I am very clear on the gnarly truth that, for me just now, my service to the Lord is to "stand and wait." Well, actually to lie around and wait, which I will now get back to! But let me, before signing off, say "Thanks so much for all the love and concern expressed to Deb and me. We feel the love and the prayers and your faith in the great God we serve."
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What a blessing to be home !!! (again) Praise the Lord for his faithfulness and goodness....because he is always faithful and good.....all the time !!!! We continue to pray for all of you and your continued healing, Mile.
Dave and Deb Stranks
Thanks so much, both of you!
- Mike
Dear Mike: Thank you for these words, and for the beautiful, painful quote... which I know to contain great wisdom and searing truth,, for my mother and my 18 year old daughter both live this from day to day, and wrestle with the implications, too. We have great hopes for your complete recovery in time, and are praying to that end. Our hearts go out to you and Deb, and to Jess, Ben and Joanna in a HUGE way, through all the process. I found a treasure for you, by way of "The Convalescent" by Frank Boreham, which I am popping in the mail for you once you get home. With all of you in spirit, Lindsey
Wow! Thanks, Lindsey! I shall endeavor all the more to get home again.
The peace and the joy to all of you!
~ Mike
Dear Mike,
Please know that you, Deb and family are upheld in prayers around the Compassion world. May you experience God's healing touch and know him more in an amazing way. May you and Deb experience his shalom and know his strength at this time.
With love in Christ from us all. (Proverbs 3:5) x
God's peace and strength! Just the thing! Thanks so much, Ginny!
~ Mike ( and Deb )
Dear Mike, Deb & family, As some have already intimated, we are being encouraged and strenghtened through the Lord's work in your lives during this time. I want you to know that some of our special friends overseas, who have only heard 'second-hand' about your afflictions are faithfully praying for you as well. In fact, I have a skype message (inquiring about your progress) waiting for me to answer. In that same vein, Saj & Der were also asking for any news about your recovery as we delivered them to the airport this morning for their move to Alberta. We continue to uphold you in prayer each day and rejoice whenever we see or hear fresh reports of God's enabling grace in your lives, even when you need to spend more time 'resting & recovering' in hospital. May you experience in a new way the reality of His strengh being made perfect in [your present] weakness (2 Cor. 12 9). SIncerely in Christ, G&G
Dearest Mike & Deb & family,
Know that our love & prayers are with you all as you walk with our amazing God through these challenging days.
Be encouraged that everything you are going through is filtered through His sovereign loving fingers, He is by your side every step of the way, His grace is sufficient, everything has a purpose and that through it all we will reflect the glory of God.
We are also learning & growing & are refined through the challenges you are facing.
We are here for you.....anytime !!!!!
Praying for you...and sending our love...
Dave & Deb Stranks
Mike, so glad to hear you are in recovery mode. You will be chomping at the bit to get back to the call that is Mike Wilkins....and to running as well. Great to hear from Arnie. Two men who have shaped my life. Joe
Our limitations are His lessons; our setbacks His sermons. I have no idea of what you have been through or will face in this new year, only that it is the Lord's intention to make you more like Him, and that will be a good thing, no matter what it costs.
Merry Christmas, dear Wilkins framily, and to the struggling world of "waiting". You know, and will know still better, Isa. 40:28-31. Waiting is not just about eagles, it is also about trees (Ps. 1) You have been a good example of both and now the Lord is deepening, extending and perfecting all of that. Wadges were in our service this AM - another prayer supporter for you. Hey, am I ever glad you missed the English Professor call! Who needs more of them, when you can be the pastor you are! Keep him in rest mode, Deb - as long as you can!
Ah, thanks so much, Arnie and Frances. And 10,000 blessings on both of you and on your children and your children's children in the year to come!
~ Mike
See, long before I knew about sound Biblical teaching and good theology I knew about Milton and Donne. They were my two dead guys (with apologies to George that I took longer in making his acquaintance). And so it came to be that a would-be professor became my pastor, and for all of that I am very grateful. But you already know all of that. In the meantime, enjoy the repining restlessness of this waiting. Love to all you lovely Wilkins types from the Postma types..
"Repining restlessness!" Good one, Barb. You would have been one of my favorite students!
Do keep on having a very meaningfully merry Christmas, you and Chris and all the little Cratchits,
~ Mike
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