Dear Fellow Caregiver: As You Are Waiting, December 6
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Dominique McLin
He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:3-4 NIV).
Dear Fellow Caregiver,
It’s just days until Christmas, and I am sitting with my husband in a hospital waiting room. The sounds of a gentleman rustling his morning paper, staff members chattering through shift change, and my husband’s seventies music are interrupted by a sweet text from my sister: “Jesus is still asleep in the boat and in control.” The story of Jesus sleeping in a boat as the disciples battle a deadly storm seems very real today. My response to her: “Now I understand why they wanted Him to wake up!” There’s fleshly security in knowing He’s awake.
Did I mention this is my husband’s fourth cancer diagnosis, and the second in the past twelve months? As I watch my husband being rolled out of the pre-op room to surgery, I have to tell him I love him and hear him say he loves me. It’s an odd security for me. Then, as I head to the waiting room, I always turn back around. I have to watch him until he is out of sight. One of the nurses catches me and says, “You have to have that last look?” Then I feel it, that burning in the back of your throat and behind your eyes, and I fight back the tears.
Now, I wait. I have prayed and prayed and asked everyone I know to pray. We have prayed for healing, health, strength, and wholeness for my precious husband. Now I wait on a blessing from the Lord.
My waiting begins with calls to update our parents and kids that surgery has begun. Next, I try going for a walk while listening to an audiobook. This is followed by trying to eat a little something. I wonder, what is Jesus doing as I wait for the blessing? I could use some reassurance that Jesus is awake with me in this storm. Then the Lord impresses Psalm 121 on my heart.
These beautiful scriptures show me that as I walk the hospital halls, Jesus “will neither slumber nor sleep” (v. 4). As the surgeon operates on my loved one, Jesus is preventing any “slip” of his hands (v. 3). As I exhaust every trick I have learned to survive this waiting, Jesus is busy protecting my sweet husband from harm “by day” and “by night” (v. 6). The psalmist reminds me that Jesus is not just watching out for us today. Jesus is watching over our “coming and going both now and forevermore” (v. 8).
I notice it’s past time for the surgery to be complete. Seconds later, I jump as I recognize our surgeon approaching me. My husband tolerated the surgery well and his kidney is functioning well. Once I see my husband, then I settle down and then I rejoice in the Lord.
Dear Caregiver, dare to trust and to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. He is more than just with you in the waiting. He is actively protecting both of you, and watching out for you by day and by night. He will never leave you alone.
Pray: Dear Jesus, You are trustworthy and constant. We give You praise and thanksgiving for the peace You give us in knowing that You are always on watch over us—through any storm we face. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Your Turn: As you listen to “Jesus” by Chris Tomlin, list the times Jesus has stood in the fire beside you, and calmed the storms that raged.
Dominique McLin, Cancer Caregiver
Dominique has walked alongside her husband, mom, and dad during their respective cancer journeys all while working in a demanding position with a major healthcare company. Dominique and her husband Elvin live in Ellisville, Missouri and are blessed with five adult children and five grandchildren. Dominique and Elvin received support from the Cancer Companions ministry and consider it an honor to be able to give back to the ministry and provide support to others diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
