July 12, 2017: Day 233

We are walking in those ordinary times, waiting for the next phase of our journey.  We have come far enough in the journey to know that there are days on the journey, that you must just keep moving.  We are waiting now to hear if Doug's neurologist has contacted the hematologist so that Doug can get the retuximab treatment.  This is an important  part of the treatment that Doug needs to help to assure that the MS does not progress.  And so we walk on...waiting...longing... for answers and looking for reassurance that the progression has ended.

Tomorrow Doug goes to the eye doctor.  He is not seeing well with his current glasses.  He has been seeing an opthalmologist since he was diagnosed with MS.  MS often effect the eyes,  For years now Doug has not been able to read because his eyes loose focus and tire easily.  We pray that his eyes have perhaps improved since his last visit.  We pray that his vision has received some healing.

In reading about pilgrimage tonight, I was reminded that the purpose of a pilgrimage is not only to seek but to also look deeper into ourselves and uncover parts of ourselves that may separate us from God, or separate us from being and developing into our true selves.  This reminded me that as we become inpatient with the loose ends with not having the retuximab treatments started and the uncertainty with how Doug will continue to make progress, that the true purpose of pilgrimage is to be changed.  This change can heal us and help us to become our authentic selves.  Then with God's grace we may offer that healing to others. We can never know how our pilgrimage will end, we only must trust and continue to take the next step.  And so we will.

God of ancient paths and steep stairways and long dusty doorways reveal yourself to us in all the unexpected ways that will help us to grow and to be transformed.  Help us to glimpse the future and fill us with gratitude and grace for all that will be and is to come. Transform and heal us.  Amen