Three weeks ago, I would never have believed all that has happened. Three weeks ago, my mom was on vacation at the beach. I would never have guessed that she had a large brain tumor growing in her head.
You never know what will happen tomorrow. I cannot take one day for granted. Each day is a gift from God. It makes me wonder how I am spending my life. Am I using my life to do God’s good will? How do I serve God each day?
This morning, I went for a walk. I know that sounds like a normal thing to do. My asthma has been flaring up over the past few days. I was a little nervous to go for a walk, because I have been having trouble breathing. I think this will happen every Spring and Fall, as seasonal allergies peak. I did it. I feel better in some ways. In some ways, I feel weak. My lungs burn. My legs feel like jello. I think that I have to start with a few steps, so I can move forward. It is better if I try, than if I sit inside all day. I have to get out in the world. I need to be thankful for a body that can move around, even if its not perfect. Right now, I cannot run a marathon, but at least I started trying.
Yesterday, my mom walked and climbed stairs. It is so amazing that on Thursday, she had a 6 hour brain surgery. Three days later, she is walking around. That is amazing! She has a great, positive attitude. She is ready to move on and move forward. You would never know that she had surgery, except for the headband of stitches on her head. The rest of her hair is there. The whole thing is astounding. She can speak well, although she repeats herself. I don’t know if that is the medicine or the cancer.
I know that this time with my mom is a gift. We don’t always get extra time with our loved ones. It truly shows me how valuable life is. We should value each moment in life and not waste even a moment. Every good and perfect gift is from above. God never changes. God’s light continually shines on us, we just don’t always stand in his light.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
–James 1:17 (NIV)
Lately, I have taken life for granted. Instead of treasuring each day with my family, and thanking God for each blessing, I have been looking at what I don’t have. That is such a waste! At the hospital, I see all these people fighting for their lives. I see families gathered together in the waiting rooms, awaiting good news about their loved ones. All these people want more time with their loved ones.
We are always trying to control our lives. When my mom received this diagnosis, family, friends and neighbors realized that they cannot control the outcome. They cannot fix it. Everyone promises to pray for my mom. God is in control all the time. Why do we only turn to God when we cannot fathom a solution? Is it only then that we realize God is in control? Nothing is too hard for God. I am thankful for every thought and prayer for my mom and our family. I know the prayers have helped my mom have the best possible surgery. Prayers have helped my mom have a great, positive attitude. Prayers have helped my family through each day.
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
–John 20:29 (NIV)
Jesus said, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” I have never actually seen God. However, don’t you see God everywhere? When I go for a walk, I hear the songs of crickets and birds. I see large trees with shade. I see God in the people around me. After my mom’s surgery, people asked how she was doing. My husband drives me and our kids up to the hospital all the time. Its not easy. It is tiring. Its a long drive. God’s light shines through and carries us through difficulties. I look out of the hospital window and see beautiful sunsets. I see God in all the wondrous things he created. I see God in the beauty of nature. I see God in the caring doctors and nurses. I see God’s light trying to shine through everywhere. I just have to let God’s light in.
Embrace This Beautiful Life 