Suzanne had her Monday and Tuesday all planned out. Since her Biopsy was scheduled for Tuesday at noon we made an appointment with her prosthodontist on Monday to maximize our trip. And since she had Monday afternoon off, a shopping visit to a big fabric store was on the agenda as well as a nice dinner out.

As we packed and prepared to leave Monday morning, I got a call from the UIC Dental school that Dr S. was ill and wouldn’t be able to meet with her that day. Since the need to be in Chicago for two days was now gone, I called and canceled the hotel stay, which to our dismay, also removed the fabric store visit and Dinner at Revolution Brewing.

Late afternoon Monday, we got a call that the Surgeon who was to perform the biopsy was not able to do so. In his replacement, Dr. P, the head of the Department, would step in in his absence. Not that we had anything against Dr P, but we had already met Dr K and our minds were somewhat comfortable about what was to happen the next day.

Tuesday morning early we were off to Rush for her biopsy and arrived in plenty of time for check-in. After a short wait, they took her back to her Pre-Op. After gowning up, the nursing staff prepared her for her procedure, performing all the usual tasks. In addition, an EKG was performed and they accessed her port for the anesthesiologist to use. We were also informed that the procedure before hers ran a little long.

Two hours later, Dr. P entered the room with a concerned look on his face. As it turns out, their new robotic bronchoscopy system could not read the CT sent over from the Oncology Department. Think of it like Oncology sent her CT on Betamax and Pulmanology now uses VHS. (For younger readers, think about the difference between Apple & Microsoft). Anyway, the bottom line was that the biopsy wasn’t happening that day.

So with all the bad vibes around this event, no prosthodontist; no shopping; no dining out; no Dr K; no biopsy equipment; it seemed as though something was against us. As Dr. P put it, when the stars aren’t aligned, the universe is giving you a message. This begs the question, who is in charge? Who puts the stars in alignment?

I’ve always been of the opinion that God doesn’t micromanage us here on earth. He’s not the one who caused Dr S to be sick; He’s not the one who kept us from shopping & dining; He’s not the one who prevented the hospital systems from talking to one another. BUT, He is the one who provides us the the ability to make decisions, good or bad. He is the one who allowed Suzanne the ability to taste despite all she’s been through. He is the one who has provided the two of us more days together on this earth than many thought were possible.

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.

Acts 14:17