Sunday, April 6 Devotional Psalm 118, 145; Exodus 3:16-4:12; Romans 12:1-21; John 8:46-59 Psalm 118, v 24: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” My husband, Charlie, was in treatment for cancer of the pancreas for two years. During that time he awoke each day with an attitude of “Thank you, God, for another day”. Each night we had to make sure the blinds were open so he could see the light in the morning. He got up every morning, got dressed, and was ready for whatever the day would bring. Some days there would be visitors at the house; other days were spent at the oncology center. He always had a smile and a kind word for those whose paths he crossed. When he encountered a parent of a former patient, a friend, or a colleague, he always asked how they and their family were doing. There were visits with family where he reminisced with cousins and shared stories with his children and nieces. We attended the 50th reunion of his high school class where his focus was on greeting old friends, sharing memories, and catching up with their lives. He participated in the baptism of a granddaughter and taught grandchildren that it takes both skill and patience to catch a fish. At times there were “bumps in the road” in dealing with the cancer. He and his medical team approached these with an amazing calmness and sense of purpose in order to do all they could to fight the problem. As I read the Psalm and other readings for today, I was reminded of how Charlie approached each day as a gift, an opportunity to share life and God’s love with those we encounter. A prayer, from the BCP page 461, that we used often comes to mind: (Although, I will admit he didn’t always “sit quietly”.) “This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen” Sally Upchurch
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 04:43:46 +0000
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