6 p.m…

For her “exercise”, Irene would walk the hallway of the Oncology Ward of 11 Long at UCSF.  There is a framed quote on the wall that says:

“Cancer might rob you of that blissful ignorance that once led you to believe that tomorrow stretched forever…….In exchange you are granted vision to see each today as precious, a gift to be used wisely and richly.”

“Tomorrow does not stretch on forever…”  It doesn’t matter whether one has cancer or not. This is a very sobering reminder of REALITY.

Scripture drives home images to remind us that our stay on this planet is briefer than most of are inclined to think.

“All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever.”
Is 40:6b-8

James adds this additional perspective:

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
James 4:14

This perspective is not “negative” but very positive, helpful and hopeful…!!  It is so because it communicates that there is more to life than what we presently see and experience.  There’s an assurance that our longing for more than this world has to offer is not merely a distant dream.

Ken Boa puts it this way in his book, Conformed to His Image:

“…it usually requires the struggle of the midlife crisis (or midlife process, depending on the way we go through it) before we experientially grasp our mortality.  As we discover the decline of our capacities and the increase of our responsibilities, we realize with clarity and force that we will not be able to fulfill many of our earthly hopes and dreams.  This can be traumatic for those whose expectations are limited to this planet, but for believers whose hope is in the character and promises of God, it can be a powerful reminder to transfer their affections and ambitions to their only true home, the kingdom of heaven.”

This biblical verse is an application of Ken’s comments:

“…He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you.”
1 Peter 1:3b-4

When facing Primary Amyloidosis it’s amazing how laser beam focused one’s life becomes. But one doesn’t have to wait for crisis to strike before prioritizing that which is most important.

Irene has felt very fatigued and nauseated all day. She was able to eat 2 very small meals, but that’s been all.  We are both reminded that the recovery and healing process will extend for some period of time…and thank you for your continued prayerful intercession.

We also realize, like never before, that tomorrow does not stretch on forever.  It makes each day even more precious and we want each day to count for Him.  As a follower of Christ our life is eternal and we live on this planet with the assurance that His Word endures forever.

Caminando con Fé
Dave