Ann Arbor and the Promised Land

We now have specific information about my upcoming surgery this coming Monday, the 15th. Our schedule looks like this:

11:30 AM – Check-in at the University of Michigan Cancer Center,

1:30 PM – Surgery for removal of spot on the liver and removal of the gall bladder.

This is a new experience for us. It feels very different to be going out of town for surgery. This is likely because of our lack of familiarity with Ann Arbor and being hours away from supportive family and friends. Our son Stephen will be in the waiting room with Marlene during the surgery. While I’m in the hospital, Marlene is staying at a nearby hotel that provides shuttle service to and from the Cancer Center.

When thinking about going to a new place, I am reminded of the story in Numbers 13. Moses sends twelve spies to explore the promised land of Canaan. When the spies return, all agree that it is a land of milk and honey, a beautiful and bountiful place. However, they are significantly divided in whether or not to possess the land.

Most of the spies said no: “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are… all the people we saw there are of great size… we seemed like grasshoppers” (31-33). Caleb said, yes we can, or in his words, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (30).

The story of the spies and the Promised Land reminds me that there are contrasting ways of viewing the challenges that are before us. We can approach these situations from the perspective of fear or of faith. We can see opposition or opportunity. Put me down as a faithful follower of Jesus who is looking forward to a new opportunity for healing and strength.

Many thanks to all who read this for your continued encouragement and prayers.