As I reflect on this year, there
are a lot of things I have to be thankful for. This month I had my
last chemo treatment (finally!). I know that your list may be a little
different, but I hope that this helps to get us thinking about all of the
blessings God has given. (This was published in our November newsletter at Holy Cross. I want to share it with you too.)
10. Faithful Family—My
family has been so good to me. Mom and Dad were there for me when I found out I
had cancer. Both of them (and my brother Daniel) were able to spend time in the
hospital with me (it’s especially impressive because Dad was here for half of
Holy Week). All three of my brothers and my parents were able to go with me to
chemo at least once. Julia’s parents were also here a lot to help out where
they could. They all did what Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
9. Partners in Prayer—I
have been overwhelmed by the flood of prayers soaking our Father’s throne in
heaven on our behalf. Our merciful Lord was moved to action and has had
incredible mercy on me. During the days when I’ve felt the worst it has meant
more than most people can imagine knowing that fellow Christians were praying
for me here and throughout the world. God says in Psalm 50:15, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will
deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
8. Dedicated Doctors—From
the first day we found out about cancer, God had His hand at work through the
doctors and nurses at Western Missouri Medical Center. Before I even regained
consciousness from my colonoscopy, doctors were already planning a way to treat this. It was a
Friday morning and a major surgery for the following Tuesday had just been
canceled. I was now on the schedule. From my own doctor to intestinal
medicine, to surgeons, and oncologists, we have been very thankful for all the
doctors I’ve seen. And of course there are the nurses too who helped so much
and were able to help me keep a positive attitude throughout chemo. Romans 12:6
says, “Having gifts that differ according
to the grace given to us, let us use them.”
7. Terrible Treatment—Hear
me out when I say this: chemo is the pits! I wouldn’t wish it on my worst
enemy! Most of you didn’t get to see me in the days after treatment (especially
the Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). Just trust me, it was bad. But these
treatments should significantly reduce the chance of anything like this coming
back—for this I am thankful. Being knocked so low helped me just begin to grasp
what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For
the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
6. An African
Adventure—Long before any of this ever came up, we began planning our trip
to South Africa next summer. When meetings began in January, I wouldn’t have
guessed that all this would happen. Since we started working on this so early,
we never once have had to think of canceling the trip. I’m thankful for 22 other people who want
to join me on this trip and others who have worked so hard to see this happen. We
look forward to serving with the people of Ntshongweni to do what Paul says in
Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the
household of faith.”
5. My Wonderful Wife—Through
all of this, Julia has been amazing. Taking care of me hasn’t always been easy,
but she has risen to the challenge. I’ll be honest; there have been days during
chemo where I’m not the most pleasant person to be around. Her pleasantness
makes up for it and has been a great comfort to me. There’s no way I could have
made it without her love and support. Proverbs 31:10-12 must have been talking
about her: “An excellent wife who can
find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in
her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the
days of her life.”
4. A Delightful
Daughter—Hannah was only ten months old when I had surgery. She will
probably never remember this nightmare on her own. But I will always be so
thankful for how she handled everything. Her laughter and smiles have helped me
feel good on the worst days. I’ve been able to spend much more time with her
since I’ve been home sick—time that we wouldn’t usually be able to have
together. We couldn’t be happier to see her growing up as God’s child each day.
Psalm 90:16 says, “Let your work be shown
to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.”
3. Patient
Parishioners—You, the people of Holy Cross have been so patient and loving
towards us. You have understood when I’m not able to get everything done. You
made sure that things have kept moving. Just look at what’s happened her since
April: we’ve completed our 150th Anniversary and it’s been a
wonderful experience. We’ve started our after school care program and begun
discussions about more ministry. You have kept things going and the gospel of
Jesus continues to go out from our congregation. For this I am incredibly
thankful! Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your
leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as
those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with
groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” I can say that it has
been a joy to serve with all of you.
2. Free Forgiveness—
Any time you are forced to sit around, your mind can quickly go to all the
mistakes you’ve made. The devil can and does certainly use these times to drive
us to despair, anger, or hopelessness. Against these, our best weapon is the
promise of free forgiveness. I am baptized into Christ! In God’s eyes all of
those things are gone because Jesus died to take them away from me. Mark 2:5 says, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
1. A Living Lord—
When the fear of death hits, where can we turn but to the one who has defeated
death and the grave. I’m thankful for Jesus’ resurrection because even though
death didn’t get me this time, someday it probably will (unless Jesus comes
back first). When that does happen we have a Lord who declares, "I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who
lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John
11:25-26)
