Final Strides...

...since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses to the life of faith...

let us run with endurance

the race God has set before us.

We do this by keeping our Eyes on Jesus,

The champion who initiates and perfects our faith!

[Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT]

For 3 years we have been preparing for this moment!  When our toes are blistered.  Legs numb.  Body cramping.  Chests heavy as we gasp for breath!  And as we near the finish line of "this marathon"...our minds are in disbelief that we have just traveled the 26 miles!  

Last night, for the first time in a week Kelly and I had the opportunity to sleep in the same room.  Now of course - she was on the couch, and I was on the pull-out, trundle below, which I believe had less than 2 inches of mattress.  "Pillow talk" is an incredible blessing in the marriage relationship, but this week we have not had one word - so last night we stayed up until 1am talking, crying, laughing and reflecting over the strides taken over the last 26 miles.  And with only .2 miles to finish in Jackson's surgical marathon, we began dreaming of what our "new normal" will look like after recovery.  What are we going to do with the miracles experienced, lessons learned, and the Truth entrusted to us.

The lack of communication is often a stumbling block for families and couples in the midst of storms, trials and marathons - especially when the adversity and activity of the journey increases dramatically.  Many storms we choose by the lack of wisdom in our decision making, but then there are those thrusted upon us.  But in either event - our sin nature seeks comfort, ease, and the quick fix - rather than endurance and perseverance.  So we tend to react in emotion, rather than respond in wisdom.  But both lead to action...the difference is the consequence.  The difference is how well we run!  How well we finish!  And what we hear as we cross the finish line...  

Warriors, Ambassadors and Servants of Christ -

• What is the race?  Our faith journey...
• Where is the race?  The course that God has set before us...
• How do we run?  With our Eyes on Jesus...
• When do we run?  When God initiates...
• Why do we run?  So the surrounding crowd of witnesses glorifies The Champion - Christ Jesus!

In a world that deceives us into glorifying ourselves...we must never lose sight that Christ "is perfecting" our faith!  Our faith is a work in progress!  But there will be a day, when we stand face to face with our Creator and Savior...and my prayer for you and for me is that we hear, "Way to go man!  Way to go, My Good and Faithful Warrior, Ambassador and Servant!"

As we near the end of "this" marathon, we are absolutely exhausted!  And in need of a good stretch, electrolytes and a banana for recovery!  We hear the roar building towards the finish line.  The yellow tape is now in sight - but to this marathoner (who is a natural born, sin-natured sprinter) the focus becomes space to cool down, grab some nutrition and rest as we prepare to begin training for the next marathon in response to the initiative of God!

Yesterday (Friday) morning, started off with a very real and difficult reminder of how delicate the journey of hypo-plastic left heart syndrome can be.  After a restless, night in the CICU waiting room...morning broke with a hysterical mother running into the CICU, after learning the news that her baby girl - a 19 day old twin, diagnosed with HLHS a month before birth, was not breathing.  The CICU was shut down for more than an 1hr and half, for an emergency by-pass/life support procedure to save this little princess' life!  After having the chance to talk with this family just a day before, and share encouragement of Jackson's journey with HLHS...my heart again was ripped to pieces, and my knees hit the floor! Needless to say - this was not the way I envisioned my morning preparation for speaking at Westminster College on "Overcoming Obstacles" - but it certainly got me focused.

The highlight of yesterday, was the news that a room on the 8th Floor in the Cardiac Recovery Unit finally opened up.  And after moving up...we moved outside for dinner on the patio!

Jackson was full of energy last night, and never fell asleep until after 11pm (typically our little warrior is in bed between 6pm and 7pm)...and when we woke up around 7pm the day kicked off with complete blood work up to check Jackson's platelet count -as it was a little suppressed yesterday.  Then it was off to a chest X-ray to ensure his lungs continue to be clear of any fluids after pulling the chest tubes out.  

And then before we could finish our breakfast of champions...

Cardiology knocked on the door to complete Jackson's post-op, echo-cardiogram to evaluate the overall function of his repaired tricuspid valve and completed Fontan Surgery.

And then after a few miles thru the hospital with his new, best friends...

(And before I could even finish this blog entry) The "surprise" of the week came... 

• Chest X-ray was clear!
• Platelet Level improved overnight and returned to a "normal" range!
• Tricuspid Valve looks "great" with an improved minimal/mild leak!
• Fontan circulation and function looks "wonderful"!  
• Pack your bags...your being DISCHARGED!!!!

 "Wait...what did you just say?  Pack your bags.  You are going home"!

And as we headed down the same road in the opposite direction...Jackson continued to lead Worship!

And as we returned back to the quiet, sanctuary of the farm...Jackson was greeted by what looks to be a new resting buddy, Indy!  

The plan is to rest here at the farm and build Jackson's strength for the next week before returning to CLT!  Jackson has a final chest X-ray and appointment with Dr. Morrel scheduled for Wed afternoon...and if everything is "good"...we are headed South!  

We do have one request tonight though...GIVE GOD THE GLORY!!!!!!  He alone is Worthy of our Praise!  

Thank you for standing with us in these waters...we still have a few final strides, but the yellow tape is within an arms length!  It is time to FINISH WELL!

We love you...and continue to keep all eyes on Jesus!