Thursday, February 3, 2011

The blessing of cancer.

1. Cancer unites people.

The dark uncertainty of the disease summons the best out of humanity. And this beauty in a hard place is a God gift that brings healing on levels perhaps not possible without the pain. The restoration of hearts is a miracle of greater value then physical soundness.

My family has already grown stronger through these past weeks and I know that God will continue to bring good things in His time.

2. Cancer slows everything down. On an ordinary day life's precious moments flit past to fast anyway. Moments taken for granted are less, unnoticed and often missed altogether.

Cancer is helping me to be awake.

Alive. Alert.

And grateful for each moment.

This week I'm grateful for the following:

My family. Each one a treasure in my heart.

For the still moments when I lay stretched in the sunshine across the end of my bed and watch the wrens enjoying the suet block outside my bedroom window. Puffed in downy fluff, their cocky tails flicking as they chirp their approval at the treat.

Energy to sit through my little brothers basketball game. Enjoying the high energy speed of the game and the swish of my brothers' .

Heart to heart talks with dear friends. Our words that connect and bridge and grow our lives.

Sitting curled up on the couch opening stacks of mail from everyone I've ever known and half of those I don't. Seriously, I never knew it was possible for one person to get so much mail. It's like receiving .hugs from around the world

For the bouquet of sunshine flowers on the table.

Friends who cook me gourmet delicacies to tempt my appetite. Chocolate covered cherries anyone?

My incredible housemates who take care of everything!

Jennie, who can buy the perfect size pants for me on the first try without me being there to try them on! It's nice to have clothes to wear that don't fall off or feel like pajamas because their so big.

The resident parrot who comes and holds my finger with his little foot to keep me company.

And for my God. Who carries me each day on His strong shoulders and fills my heart with joy.

8 comments:

Shaila Meharry said...

Dear Sister,
You are incredible! And I love you!
You are the epitome of optimism. : D

Thanks for letting your light shine!

Bill said...

Dear Caitlin, You are being lifted up in intercessory prayer by many Followers of Christ here on the West Coast. Your essay on the ICU was shared with my Veterans and Home Groups. They all are praying for you as well. That insight of the ICU has touched many here in the Modesto area. I and they can hear that Trusting-Faith in the words you type on your blog.
GOD will give you the strength to carry through "one day at a time".
Hugs from Great-Aunty Doreen and G-Uncle Bill.

Caitlin said...

I praise God that He can bring good things out of this. It's Him not me.

Katalin said...

Caitlin you are a ray of sunshine to this world, and you are well loved. :)

Cindy said...

Sweetie, you truely are a "Gift of God,: as your name means. We are all blessed to have you in our lives. Praying constantly... Mommy

Heather said...

And I can imagine the love and pride that swells in the heart of Christ as He sees you living thankfully and joyously even during trial. You are living victoriously through Christ and His name is being amazingly glorified through you!

Levi Borrelli said...

Olá, Caitlin.

Estamos orando por você todos os sábados aqui na Brazilian Temple S.D.A. Church. E também todas as terças-feiras numa teleconferência de oração de pastores brasileiros da Divisão Norte-Americana da Igreja Adventista.

"Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 174.

Pr. Levi Borrelli
lborrelli@uol.com.br

laSonya said...

I'm glad I found your blog! Your words are beautiful and praise God for the blessings of cancer.