Dad’s last treatment for the t-cell lymphoma was in June of 2019. From the first time he was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer in 2017, he was told there was no cure. That even though it could be knocked down and managed, it would return.
But knock it down, he did. It had been unchanging since then. Each PET scan would result in us thanking God the cancer was still lying dormant. And in the meantime, Dad lived.
I’m reminded of the Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness. They were in their meantime for 40 years. During that time, they continued to move. They didn’t just sit still and brood over their situation. And they didn’t return to their former life of slavery, although some wanted to. But in that meantime, God took care of them. He led them. He fed them. He kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out.
Then there was the time when the Israelites were taken into exile in Babylon. That meantime was for 70 years. God told them through the prophet Jeremiah that while they were in exile, they were to build homes, get married, have families, and pray for the people holding them captive. They were not to live defeated, but to live each day as if they were not living in a foreign land.
Dad has done that in his meantime. He’s been taking one day at a time. Enjoying the good days and enduring the bad. He has never questioned God. He has simply kept trusting God to take care of him and Mom.
He’s had some good days. Some lawnmowers were tore down and rebuilt. One, multiple times. One said lawnmower became his means of transportation around the yard. When he was having a good day, you’d find him out walking some, or riding the mower to his outbuildings to piddle around.
He’s also had some bad days. The weakness in his legs hinders him from doing all the things he’s sat and thought about needing to do. On those days, just being able to sit on the carport and wave at those passing by was a big deal.
Covid further restricted him and Mom as they were advised to stay home. It felt like they were living in a foreign land because of all the restrictions and limited personal contact with loved ones and friends. They learned how to navigate a computer to watch church meetings. Mom even joined Facebook to watch preachers that aired their messages that way. And during that time, they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary and Dad’s 80th birthday with outdoor family gatherings.
But eventually, “meantimes” come to an end.
The Children of Israel came to the end of their wandering. Then God led them to their promised land. But even that wasn’t easy. They didn’t simply walk in and enjoy new homes immediately. No. Entering the promised land involved fighting. They had to fully rely on God to guide them into those battles and to give them the victories. But eventually they laid claim to their promised land.
We all can identify with the wanderings and the exile of the Israelites. We often feel like we are going in circles. Or that we are living as foreigners in a strange and God-forsaken land. But just like the Israelites, we are to continue to move. Keep trusting. Keep living for God. And wait until He leads in another direction.
Dad’s meantime is over. After months of getting weaker and dealing with aggravating and even debilitating issues that doctors couldn’t figure out, the answer came. The t-cell lymphoma has roared back to life. New spots appearing that were not there in a scan just one month ago. And no choice but to fight once more.
So Dad, it’s time to tighten up your armor and advance into the battle. But remember, you’re doing so with promises from God.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV