July 12, 2019

Janet has been suffering the repercussions of chemotherapy treatments for cancer. When I asked her about the chemo’s side effects, she explained she was very tired, had neuropathy in her hands and feet, and had lost all her hair. But she went on to explain the benefits of chemotherapy.

Janet said that getting ready in the mornings was much easier because all she had to do was hop into the shower and dry off. She didn’t have to worry about how her hair looked because she didn’t have any. Her optimism and joy at having another day in God’s world was a wonder to see.

What I truly admire about Janet is that through this entire experience, I have never once heard her complain or feel sorry for herself. She has been able to find good even in the bad and takes every day as the gift that it is. Isn’t that what God expects all Christians to do?

Because we know Jesus Christ, we can face whatever life throws our way because we know how the story ends. We go home.

This is what Paul meant when he told the Christians in Corinth: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

You are going to have very good days and very bad. Just remember that no matter what you face, the Maker of the Universe will walk with you, hold your hand, and will bring you home. With that sort of knowledge you can handle whatever comes your way. Just ask Janet.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to put my trust and hope in you. Help me to always see the positive no matter what the circumstance. I want my life to please you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Thank God for people like Janet. They lift the rest of us up to a higher place.

Also, just for the record, Janet told me she no longer had to shave her legs. That was more than I wanted to know.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins