December 13
Today Norm received his third of six body chemos and the fifth of twelve total chemos. We spent four hours at the cancer center, watched a lot of patients come and go. I didn’t hear one complaint.
There are times when patients and caregivers go through the dark side of fear, anger, frustration etc. But one the lighter side we can find hope, encouragement, and joy. One can dream of what comes after the healing. We can spend more time with family, it will be good to hug our grandchildren Sierra and Sawyer. We can look forward to times of laughter and games with the kids and siblings. We will enjoy getting together with friends. We can dream of traveling to places near and far.
When the Lord seems to give extra time, when we face our own mortality, the question arises, “What will I do with the time He has given?”. What legacy will I leave behind?
None of us know what each day will bring. While we can plan for the future, we live day by day. That is where we make our legacy. Our daily actions and words determine how we are remembered and provide the joy for each day.
He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6
I am thankful that God faithfully works in ways we cannot see.
I pray for each person I saw at the cancer center today, along with Donna and Tony, that the treatment they receive do its work with minimal side effects. And for each of the nurses who have such a positive attitude of encouragement for each person in their care.
I rejoice that I am seeing progress in Norm’s treatment. He is getting better.
Where’s the joy? The joy is in the hope in the promises of God. He has made the promises, he will accomplish them.
For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:10-12
TRICIA LATHROP 