I spent a lot of time playing the piano today. It is my therapy and the best way I communicate with God. We had a lot to discuss today.

One of my most favorite hymns is On Eagle’s Wings by Michael Joncas. I thank my 4-H House friend, Bev, who asked me to sing it at her wedding. I recorded an arrangement of it by Lorie Line for my dad’s memorial service. The lyrics are based on Psalm 91.

On Eagle’s Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, “My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust.”

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His Wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

For to His angels He’s given a command,
To guard you in all of your ways,
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Hey Wait a Minute

If God is holding me and protecting me, why do I have cancer?

I don’t believe we are supposed to understand everything about God. I also don’t think God planned for me to get cancer. But I do believe, without a doubt, that God is with me, holding me, helping me deal with my pain and symptoms.

Today I was feeling embarrassment more than anger over my work situation. How could I be so naive to think I was important to the company so much that they cared about me as a person? But I thought of the words of Psalm 91 as I played and realized that God is loving me and caring for me, just as he is watching over all creation. God loves me and is holding me in the palm of his hand, keeping me safe. I don’t need to feel anger or embarrassment over my work situation. In the end, it just doesn’t matter.

I’m playing the organ at Immanuel Lutheran in Flatville tomorrow. Before I play the first note I ask God to help me spread his message through my music. I will be listening for his spirit as I play. I hope you all can find your way to communicate with God, too.