A hymn with deeper meaning

I had my CT scan yesterday - I find out the results on Friday and also I will find out whether I have surgery before the next round of chemo or after. The next round of chemo is scheduled for July 6th. Anna went with me to Dana Farber - it was great to spend the afternoon with her.

The leg pain has subsided - hallelujah! I am still somewhat fatigued each day but try to walk around the block - although I won't be trying it in 90+ degree weather. I'll wait until it's a bit cooler.

Today I thought about a hymn I had sung years ago when I was much younger - while it was meaningful then, today it has much more depth of meaning. Here are the words:

I take Thy promise, Lord, in all its length,
And breadth and fullness as my daily strength.
Into life's future fearless I may gaze
For Savior, Thou art with me all the days.

Days may be coming fraught with loss and change,
New scenes surround my life and fancies strange;
I thank Thee that no day can ever break,
Savior, when Thou wilt leave me or forsake.

There may be days of darkness and distress,
When sin has power to tempt, and care to press,
Yet in the darkest day I will not fear,
For 'mid the shadows, Thou wilt will be near.

Days there may be of joy and deep delight,
When earth seems fairest, and her skies most bright,
Then draw me closer to Thee, lest I rest
Elsewhere, my Savior, than upon Thy breast.

And all the other days that make my life,
Marked by no special joy or grief or strife,
Days filled with quiet duties, trivial care,
Burdens too small for other hearts to share;

Spend Thou these days with me, all shall be Thine,
So shall the darkest hour with glory shine.
Then when these earthly years have passed away,
Let me be with Thee in the perfect day.

For me, today the taking of the promise is the exercise of faith. It is the stretching forward toward the goal that Paul talked about in Philippians. Oh, Lord, strengthen me to take Your promises day by day and not to believe the strangeness of my life as it appears now. YOu are the same, You do not change. Praise You, Lord!

As the Lord leads, please pray for wisdom for Dr. Berkowitz as he decides about the surgery and for me that the bountiful supply of the Spirit will carry me through the days ahead - I am not able but He is able.

Much love,
Joanne