Shepherds standing in the field

We were shepherds standing in the field blinded by a great light, and the angel said, "Don't be afriad." It happened this week. Monday night. In Dr. Glen Luepnitz' office.

We had ventured once again to visit yet another doctor who might hold some hope for Austin's disease. We've never really believed that he simply "has" juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and there's nothing we can do about it. But we have been to a lot of doctors and practitioners and spent a lot of money and had a lot of hope only to be ultimately disappointed. Only to realize that for now Austin just needs to keep taking the drugs that at least keep the disease from taking over his life.

So once again we went to visit a doctor who might prove to have some answers. It was astounding, really, as we sat in his office for well over an hour and listened to him talk about chemistry and biology and genetics and all of it related to Austin and really to our entire family. The details are detailed, and that is not the point of this writing. What is important is that we sat in awe as so much of what we heard made sense, and Dr. Luepnitz said that yes, he would be able to help Austin get better. He spoke with authority. We heard as those who are dying for hope. We heard as desert travelers who have found water.

We heard as startled shepherds in the field. The light shined on us, the nighttime field was full of light, and we were not afraid. "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all the people."

I think there are many times when we are shepherds in the field hearing the angels bringing joy.

Like being with my parents tonight eating chicken soup and decorating the Christmas tree.

Like standing in the chapel at the oblate renewal center with my 40+ fellow travelers in the Academy for Spiritual Formation as we celebrate the eucharist together.

Like being a part of the 10 year anniversary celebration of St. Barnabas the Encourager Evengelical Covenant Church this weekend.

Like going on a college visit to Southwestern University with Lauren on a gorgeous fall day and getting a Baja Blast at Taco Bell afterwards.

Like being in a community of believers where I can support and be supported, where people believe in me, and I believe in them.

Like saying night prayer with my Academy friends. Like saying night prayer with my parents in their home. Like saying night prayer with Phillip and Lauren and Amanda.

Like having a friend willing to meet me at the gym and help me begin an exercise routine after being so un-routine about my exercise for so long.

Like having a really wonderful boss.

Like knowing that I am capable of loving more than I'm usually willing to love and being challenged to live into loving more than I do.

Like being thankful for the saints that have gone before us and knowing that we will join them someday - but hopefully not yet!

Like petting our 11-year-old cat.

I'm thankful that our time with Dr. Luepnitz this week called that wonder to mind, reminded me that we really are in Advent, that the coming of Christ into our world did not only happen long ago but that it indeed continues to happen. Sometimes I'm startled into awareness.

The world is wondrous, and I want to always be like shepherds in the nighttime field standing in awe of this amazing thing that is happening right before my eyes.