I scan the wilderness horizon for bits of hope, love, joy, and peace. All the while, I sit with others in the waiting room, watching the doors close behind loved ones who will soon endure a scan for things we pray they don’t find.

After it’s done, my loved one and I walk toward the elevator to return to our somewhat normal lives, and a prayer poem comes to mind. Another way, perhaps God’s way, of re-defining the word scan.

Scan

Seeing God’s
care — in,
around, and
near you.

To those who constantly look for signs of Life, and those who wait for the scan’s results, may you see God’s care in the place where you are. May you sense the Prince of Peace in, around, and near you. Amen.

I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
    never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever.
_{Psalm 121 NLT}