Jun. 10, 2008 - God is so good!
Today is my birthday. I'm so glad about that. Not because I get showered with presents and special privileges - although my family does do that - but because it means I'm here with them to celebrate another year of what God Himself is doing in my life.
This past year has been a physically difficult one for me, and as I'm a major weenie when it comes to pain and discomfort, the Lord has taken this opportunity to show me more about who He is and His sustaining power in my weakness.
I will be the first to admit I'm a poor student. It takes quite a lot to get my attention, and then I'm very quick to forget what I've been learning. As a result, the Lord has had to use more than one serious illness to focus me on Him, and I thank Him for it.
My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer eight years ago. I asked her once why she has never complained about it. Her response struck me to the very core and I've never looked at adversity the same since. She said, "The Lord has never asked my opinion about anything, but if He had said, 'I have this cancer I'm going to allow someone to have. I will use it to draw them closer to Me,' I know I wouldn't have wanted my daughters to have it, and I wouldn't even have wanted my enemies to have it. I would have said, 'Lord, let me have it. Use it to draw me closer to You." She has welcomed physical suffering because of the work God has done through it in her own life. She lives each day for the Savior Who loves her.
So that is what I want to say. Lord, if this means I get to draw nearer to you, then let me have it. You are good and all You do is good. Freedom from physical pain and suffering will be mine when I'm with You for eternity. In the meantime, I know you will strengthen me for each good work You have ordained for me in this life.
Well..this is just what I was thinking about today. I can't wait to see what the next year holds. This one has been a blessing, and each and every day a gift.
Comments
Jun. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by courtneylane
God is good! Happy (late) birthday! Mine is on the 23rd.
Jun. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mumumomma
Happy belated Birthday!
I'm sorry to hear about the pain, but loved your analogy of the situation. I'll have to remember that.
I hope you had a great day celebrating another year in your "brick shoe"!
Maybe you will be able to start your book with same title this year???? I just think "Life in a Brick Shoe" would sell a lot of books, who couldn't love a title like that and be too curious not to buy it???
Jun. 17, 2008 - Happy Belated Birthday!
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
I haven't been keeping up here lately as it seems we have been gone so much. I hope you had a beautiful and blessed one. What a wonderful attitude you have and your mother is very wise...what a blessing!
Blessings to you and yours, Julie
