For Thoose Who Live In The Land Of Limbo
We Wait for The Test Results To Come Back.
The population in the land of limbo seems to be growing. What is this land? This is the land of people waiting, waiting for the next test, waiting for the results of the last test, results that may determine the course of life for the near future. Limbo, waiting. With the longevity revolution well in hand, and with medical technology advancing, more of us have been welcomed into this state of limbo. We wait, we hope, we pray as anxiety is mixed with hope and fear. Loved ones try to provide support, but we have no adequate vocabulary to speak to these moments.
Given this new reality that so many of us inhabit, I searched for something that maybe could speak to these moments. Alden Solovy, the great contemporary poet and liturgist, in his “Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing” (*) created a meditation entitled “Waiting For My Test Results”. I thought it may be of value and meaning for some.
This moment is familiar.
And this moment is new.
This waiting, This hoping, This praying.
What will the news bring?
What decisions will I face?
How will I cope in the days ahead?
God of old, Grant me the wisdom to be gentle with myself
In these hours of uncertainty.
Show me the grace and insight to use this time as a moment of rest,
Perhaps to find inside myself a well of gratitude
For the support and comfort of family and friends,
For the wisdom and skill of my doctors,
For the gentle and strong hands of my caregivers.
Cradle me in Your care.
Source of life, bless me with courage,
Bless my family with hope and lead me on a path to wholeness of body,
Wholeness of mind and wholeness of spirit.
Rabbi Richard F. Address, D.Min
jewishsacredaging.com
(*) CCAR Press