Taking inventory, a look back at the year

     

     Entering this month of November, I found myself recalling my surprised and eventful cancer journey that began exactly one year ago this month. 

     The miraculous, speedy and complete healing I experienced from a "highly aggressive, invasive, adenocarcinoma type of cancer, still leaves me in complete awe! 

     The perfect timing, fast co-operation of the doctors and the surgeon involved, (having learned there was no need of follow-up treatments) — I attribute to the many prayers of my concerned family and friends. 

     For some reason, known only to the Great Physician and Healer, He chose to heal this child of His and extend her days on earth. 
  

     Looking back, I am glad for the experience, as it has helped me to take inventory of my life. Each new day is very precious which I try not to take for granted. 

     Continuing on through this journey called life, we never know what new experience may be awaiting us, just around the corner. 

     This November finds me facing the fact that my "aging ears" need a little help. In all fairness to my family especially, I went for a hearing test that I have been "putting on the back burner," as I tried to convince myself there was no need.  

     Now, I am sporting small, silver grey, latest technology, unobtrusive hearing "gadgets," designed to make my world, better for me and my family. 

     It will soon be known if shrinking my bank account was worth it. 

     Entering the world of many, young and old, in similar situations, I will now be more sympathetic as the following poem reminds us.    

     A Prayer For One Who Is Going Deaf    

O God, 
  
     The trouble about going deaf is that most people find deaf folks a nuisance. They sympathize with people who are blind and lame, but they get irritated and annoyed with people who are deaf. 

     And the result of this, is that people who are deaf are apt to avoid company, and get more and more shut-in. 

     Help me now that my hearing has begun to go. Help me face the situation and realize that there is no good way to hide it. Trying will only make matters worse. 

     Help me to be grateful for all that can be done for people like me. If I have to wear a hearing aid, help me to do so naturally, and not be embarrassed. 

     Give me the perseverance not to let this trouble get me down. Don't let it cut me off from others. 

     And help me to remember, Lord, whatever happens, nothing can stop me from hearing Your voice.    

— William Barclay

— beulah

Waiting in the land between

 

     "Waiting in the Land Between"     

     On a recent Sunday at my church, Pastor Tim's sermon bore the above title, which immediately captured my attention. 

     How many times throughout our life's journey have we felt we were "waiting in the land between," where we already were, and where we hoped to be someday? 

     Perhaps, waiting to be hired for that specially desired job; waiting months for a new baby to enter our family; waiting for the results of a medical test; or a much-needed operation; or waiting for that person of your dreams to become your life's mate. 

     I believe how we live and what we do meanwhile "in the land between" will determine the quality of our day-to-day existence. It will also have an affect on those around us. 

     Pastor Tim likened such experiences to the children of Israel.  After being miraculously delivered from King Pharaoh's beastly control, their lack of perspective and short memory soon took over. Instead of showing gratefulness and worship to the God who had freed them from such horrible bondage, complaints began about their hardships, boredom with the food, (the daily miracle of manna and quail), and they began wishing they had died in Egypt. 

     So, because of their lack of faith and ungrateful attitudes towards God's goodness, their generation would never get to see "the land flowing with milk and honey." 

     They missed out on God's best for them and so, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  

     I wonder if there aren't times when we find ourselves wandering aimlessly in our own wilderness, having lost our compass and sense of direction we thought we once had. 

     We, too, become impatient with our situation, begin to whine, feel sorry for ourselves and our present circumstances, and perhaps blame God for not showing up or caring. Like the Israelites, we fail the memory test, entirely! We forget the abundant provisions of the past when life was good. Yet, some of life's important discoveries could be realized while "in the land between," if we trusted more fully in the One who really knows what is best for us. 

     Few of us will escape the storms of life that will inevitably come our way, in one form or another. But, just as a good earthly father shows his love by walking beside and guiding his child, so our Heavenly Father also reminds us, "... I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  — Isaiah 41:10 

     Many times, "I forget to remember!"  

     

     But, He forgives me, picks me up and sets me on the right path again, and says, "Do better now my child!  Trust ME."


— beulah