Daily work goes on. It goes into the ground, into crops, into children’s bellies and their bright eyes. … the very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope.–Barbara Kingsolver

During this long season of waiting during Joe’s surgeries and setbacks, of longing for relief for his pain and a return to health and wellness for him, it is true that daily work goes on, and that the most I can do is to live, dwell, abide in hope.   But as for the least I can do being the figuring out what I hope for, I have a different word choice.  Hoping for the best for my husband?  Well, yes, as in optimism and outlook.  However, I am learning that hoping in, rather than for is more important.  And I don’t have to figure out what that hope is, I already know.  Reading Scott Cairn’s little book The End of Suffering, I echo his words, ” In those trials in our life that we do not choose but pass through  – a stillness, a calm, and a hope become available to us.”

This week Joe had another surgery.  We want this one to be the last one, for awhile at least.  Whatever happens, our hope is in a God of grace who sustains us.