Good morning…
My friend braving chemotherapy felt good enough for a visit, so we drank lemonade on the balcony off of her second story bedroom. The spring weather was soothing and so was our talk. “I’ve been looking forward to weaving together thoughts with you,” she said. “God has been teaching me so many beautiful things.” She proceeded to gather a few devotional books, and she opened for us her email account.
She read aloud to me the touching reviews her college students gave her at the end of the semester, a semester in which her cancer diagnosis and treatment forced her to live from a “Plan B” syllabus. “Courageous and authentic.” “Inspiring and supportive.” “The most real and approachable teacher I have ever had.” Her students got less of their professor “face to face,” receiving more of “her weakness plus God’s strength.”
She read aloud to me from her Streams in the Desert devotional, etched with her godmother’s handwriting. The gist of one meditation touched her most deeply: God does not prune back a branch He does not intend to use. During many grueling hours of her cancer journey, my friend has been pruned back to God alone, so the LORD must intend fruit to fill her future.
She read aloud to me a Jesus Calling message from the day before, an encouraging message all about trust. Cancer is teaching my friend about trust, trust that God will sustain her in her darkest hours, trust that God will provide for her family as she weathers tough side effects, trust that God envisions for her a rich, fruitful future.
As I sat beside her, I noticed a wrapped gift and a card with my name on it. At her suggestion, I untied the bow and un-taped the paper. Beneath the wrapping, I saw a beautiful drawing by artist Susan D. Le Vine (even her last name is perfect, “the Vine”). The sketch depicts two goldfinches talking, beak to beak. They are resting on a branch, a pruned back branch now showing signs of leafy growth. A cozy bird’s nest (“I have learned to build a nest rather than dig a hole”) and five speckled eggs (“I feel held close by my five inner circle friends”). A yellow and black feather is floating free (“I am shedding the things no longer essential”). Many beautiful symbols have bonded us during this season; many of these shared metaphors are framed in this precious piece of art.
Into the drawing the artist penciled: “American Goldfinch. Symbolism – Harmony, creativity, & life lived with gusto.” On the back of the frame, my friend penned this note: “Sue – May we always see God’s presence in the birds on our path. Know that the American goldfinch will make me think of you with gratitude. Your words and mine building upon each other for God’s purpose. Much love. Psalm 50:11. Deuteronomy 31:8.”
“I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine,” whispers Psalm 50:11. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” encourages Deuteronomy 31:8.
God continues to weave between all of us sacred strands of a timeless tapestry.
…Sue…
