Maggie is resting and recovering at home. We were able to leave the hospital Thursday afternoon. She continues to be a quick healer due in equal parts to gifted doctors, an unfailing optimism and the never-ending grace of God. Remarkably she is only taking OTC pain relievers and is moving around the house with little discomfort.

I carry a mental image of her as a cork or “bobber” – quickly finding her way to the surface no matter the size of the wave. She has taken life-engulfing force on all sides countless times. A few days present her smooth waters. The majority offer neither chaos nor calm but something in between in terms of circumstances. Her outlook, or, more correctly, “up look” rarely changes. I have to watch my “sinker” self from attaching my mommy worries to her and pulling her under. As my mood darkens and sours, she notices and starts to lose a bit of buoyancy. More times than not, she pulls us both from the undertow. Or God through her.

While this is a beautiful picture of how “hope floats”, it is imperfect. Hope may float, but faith with the perfect anchor perpetually soars. We all find our every need fulfilled in Him. I return constantly to this from the Word:

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

We are earthen vessels sometimes called to launch into choppy waters. Praise be to God He forever anchors us to His truth. And brings those little “bobbers” in our lives to help us float.