Casting Cares

One year ago today, on 12/21/12, my Dad had unexpected heart surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Reading.  Last Christmas break was filled with trips to the hospital, fear, and worry.  While there were cheerful moments through visits with family and friends, when I think of last year’s break, I remember clearly the unanticipated anxiety that accompanied each health scare as we worked with the doctors to get to the root of Dad’s issues. 

I’m happy to say that one year later we got through today without any emergency visits to the hospital or with Dad not feeling well.  In fact, he, Mom, and I made the 80 mile trip over to New Holland (near Lancaster), PA to see Matt Maher, Audrey Assad, and Timothy Timmons perform an Advent Reflection concert at The Worship Center.

Audrey Assad's song, "Humble", was hauntingly beautiful!

Grant us eyes so that we can recognize the glory and beauty all around us.

Audrey Assad playing the piano

We learned that the people sitting in front of us were from Baltimore but that the one gentleman's wife's grandmother lives in Frackville (did you follow that one?) and I spotted a few Catholics in the audience as well.  I even spotted a girl who works at my favorite church down in Maryland (and where I hope to go for Christmas Eve Mass this year).  Overall, during tonight’s praise and worship concert, it was neat to see folks from all religions and walks of life coming together to enjoy the talents of these inspiring musicians in what was an all too quick concert!!  I knew it was going to be good when the opening act began the evening by singing one of my favorite Christmas Carols, “Drummer Boy”.

When Timothy Timmons sang about casting fears on God, I couldn’t help but think of all the worry and angst from last Christmas Break or all the feelings that were experienced in the last year with the failed proposal meeting, doubts of finding a job, wondering what will happen after May 9, 2014…..and all those nights of restless sleeping, worrying in the middle of the night, and pondering what the future might hold.

Yet, like the lyrics in the song, in the last couple months, I’ve consciously shifted my thinking to look at what I do know rather than what I don’t.  I love how the last part of the song contains changed lyrics about praying with confidence rather than being worried in the middle of the night since these lyrics definitely capture this personal change and the peace I’ve felt in recent months.  Below are the lyrics and the song that were particularly moving for me today as I reflected on how different today was compared to last year!

"Cast My Cares"

In the middle of the night
When worry finds me
In the middle of the fight
When strength is gone
In the middle of a fire
When fear is closing in
You are, You are my song
You're my hope, when hope is gone

I will cast my cares on You the almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
Oh, oh because You love me

In the middle of the night
When worry finds me
In the middle of the fight
When strength is gone
In the middle of a fire
When fear is closing in
You are, You are my song
You're my hope, when hope is gone

So I will cast my cares on You the almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
Oh, oh because You love me

God of glory
You are able
Through Your power
To be faithful
God of mercy
Every moment
You are near to me
[x2]

So I will cast my cares on You the almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
Oh, oh because You love me

In the middle of the night
I'll pray with confidence
In the middle of the fight
You're greater still
In the middle of a fire
Your love is holding me
You are, You are my song
You're my hope, when hope is gone