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It’s All about Perspective Over the past year, we have had some renovations done to our home. After twenty six years the house was in need of some serious repair. We had the rotten siding and windows replaced. A part of the renovation included making two windows in our kitchen into one big picture window. What a difference this window has made in my life. Each morning, I sit at my kitchen table in the same chair and eat a light breakfast, pray and read the bible while looking out this window. This morning, I sat down in different chair. I was amazed at the difference in the view. This led my thoughts to the events of yesterday. I was scheduled for a mammogram at 8:20 but forgot to pick up my orders for the procedure the day before. I went to the physician’s office and he was not there yet, however the assistant promised to fax the order to the hospital when he arrived. I then proceeded to the hospital and at the registration desk determined that I left my insurance card in another purse. I rushed back home, searched for the card and rushed back arriving late. I was then behind the later appointments. The films showed some questionable areas and I had to have more films and a sonogram. After two hours of exposure and probing with no answers I was finally on my way home. I called to see if my daughters had gotten up and was ready for me to take their Christmas card picture. I had been trying to get this picture made for the past week and each day for one reason or another they were not ready. They hate this tradition and enjoy procrastinating. When I learned from my husband they were still in the bed I became very angry and told him we would just forget it this year. He asked what was really wrong and I shared about my tests. Surprisingly, we were able to make the pictures shortly later and I rushed to the drugstore to have them developed. I waited in line for the processor; this area of the store was very crowded, everyone else was there for the same reason. I inserted the USB device and went through the many steps to order my pictures. Near the end I received an error message and had to start over. This occurred multiple times and the person next to me offered her processor when she was through but the next person in line rushed over and would not allow me to change processors. Wow, some Christmas spirit. I asked for assistance and the worker was unable to ever get my pictures to load. I finally resorted to getting at the end of the line and waiting for the other processor which did not work initially either with my USB device. I asked about a coupon I had for 11 cent copies and was informed that it was only good for orders over the internet. To top things off, hours later while assembling the pictures and cards I discovered I did not order enough pictures. Needless to say, everyone did not get Christmas cards with pictures. I was able to get the cards addressed and my husband carried these to be mailed just as I was leaving for my Bunco party. A neighbor introduced me to the Bunco group several years ago. Each month we get together at each other’s homes, enjoy the host’s cooking and play the mindless dice game so we can get out of the house for a girl’s night. My group consists of Christian women who routinely pray before eating. Last month, just prior to praying, C smiled and told us she had some news. Her face radiated, she had also lost some weight. I could not help but notice how pretty she looked. Every hair was perfectly in place; the wig looked so natural. By the sparkle in her eyes I anticipated that she was about to tell us that her last tests showed that she was cancer free. However, her facial expressions and her words did not match. I thought I was hearing wrong. She shared that she had another spot on her brain. She was about to undergo another procedure to implant markers and a one time huge dose radiation. How can she look so happy? I silently asked God, why can’t you give her a break? C has been fighting breast cancer over the past few years. She endured a mastectomy, brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. She retired on disability from her job as a kindergarten teacher this past fall due to stage four cancer. She no longer eats regular food but adheres to a very strict healthy diet. If this was happening to me, no one could stand me. I would be mad at the world, not C. Tonight, like many other Bunco nights we gathered together for our prayer, each laying hands on C praying for the miracle of health. She graciously stands in the center and jokes about where we place our hands. God’s spirit glows in her attitude, kindness and love. C’s focus is on the everyday joy of living, and the preciousness of time. She exudes the richness of a peaceful soul. Her goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are so admirable. What a difference perspective makes. What a difference a daily relationship with Jesus Christ provides. He offers a hope beyond our sight.
Mark 4: 38-39
John 14:27 |
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