Shadow of the Almighty

The title of Jim Elliot's biography from which I have quoted in the right margin (and read at least 3 times in my teens), the words taken from Psalm 91 v 1.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty"
Mike McAllister read that Psalm to me shortly after I was first diagnosed with cancer, and it resonated in particular because of that opening verse.
During this past week of prayer, Sue Woolnough drew the same Psalm to my attention, but quoting it's final 3 verses in particular. The final verse reads
"With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation"
As I said to those gathered for prayer on Sunday evening, my attitude through all this time has been; 'Lord, I look back over a fulfilled and satisfying life, if you take me now, I have no regrets, no unfulfilled dreams'. But that verse has said something more to me - that God's idea of satisfaction is long life, and I should not downgrade my expectations.
And I guess that's how Elaine and I look back on last week. With a sense of the continued hand of God upon our lives, with personal touches that spoke of his intricate care and blessing. With thankfulness for friends who have drawn near to God's throne on our behalf. With a sense that this was a significant stepping stone on our journey.
Today was chemo round 8, my blood count apparently good, but I have begun to have numbness in my feet and legs over the past few days which is a chemo side effect. Also the tiredness extended right through to yesterday, bringing much closer the day when I say to Bristol City Council. "you'll have to do without my services until chemo finishes at the end of June." We enjoyed a day together in the Cotswolds last Friday, and Elaine has next week off, so we hope to get away for a few days, not least to visit Stephen in Worthing, to see his new flat, and meet the church which has become his true home. The large pituitary tumour with which he was diagnosed a year ago has shrunk significantly in response to weekly tablets, but the sight deterioration in one eye caused by the crushing of the optic nerve has yet to really reverse. Do pray for restoration there.
Our love to you.