Heaven and Earth

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Have you ever wondered what happened to a friend life gets busy and one day it dawned on you that you hadn't heard from them for awhile? That happened to me recently. I missed Kathleen's card at Christmas and when I wrote to her, I didn't get a reply. When we finally did get in touch, she shared how her life has been shattered by one of the smallest of God's creatures. Last summer one minuscule mosquito reduced her huskily built, six-foot husband to an immobile piece of humanity incapable of escaping from his hospital bed in the local Intensive Care Unit. The mosquito infected Rick with the most serious form of the West Nile Virus.

According to Health Canada's website, when people develop the more serious form of West Nile, the symptoms could include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness and even paralysis. Overnight Kathleen had to put her career on hold and adopt a support role. She became a bedpan-juggling caregiver and a full-time coach cheering from the sidelines encouraging her husband to keep his courage. Rick left the rehab center after six months of rehabilitation and physiotherapy. He is no longer able to continue in his life-long career and has resigned from pastoral ministry.

Kathleen said, "I feel the life I have known has been stolen by pirates as we sailed up the West Nile. We've had to move out of our home. Pirates came with their black flag flying and stole everything I treasured, everything except my husband's life." But before the conversation finished, Kathleen and Rick both tell everyone how God has been with them through every part of their journey.

Dear Kathleen and Rick,

When I learned your story I was immediately reminded of Daniel's story in the Bible. He too was snatched out of his home, taken into captivity and lost all that was familiar to him. I'm sure he too felt that all his treasures were stolen by pirates.

Like Daniel, you have experienced a life or death situation. Like him, you have shown great courage and character. If we look at his lion's den experience, I imagine him writing home and saying something like:

Daniel 6: 1-26

Dear Mother,

How are you? I am fine. Even though I've been taken into captivity and have lost my freedom, I haven't forgotten my love of God. I was caught praying the other day and I'm in a bit of a predicament just now. The king threw me in the lions den. But there is an angel here with me and just now he's protecting me from the drooling mouths of the hungry cats. So don't worry about me. I think the king will let me out again in the morning.

Love,

Danny

Even after experiencing many troubles and trials Daniel is still is able to say that God is great and awesome. God keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands.

But to me the most exciting letter comes from God. In the 10th chapter of Daniel, we can read God's message to Daniel, to Kathleen and Rick, to each one of us who is going through difficult times.

Daniel 10: 12, 18b

(Living Bible)

Dear Daniel

"Don't be afraid. I've heard your prayers ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I love you so don't let anything worry you or frighten you."

Love, God