And I guess this is my season for health issues.
What started as a routine annual visit has led me down a path I would’ve never guessed I would be on. My surgery for my thyroid cancer is set for the middle of December. Check and move on.
Not so quick. After failing my barium study, I found myself in the Gastroenterologist office, expecting to put off any procedures until after the thyroid operation. But nope. She wants to act quickly. So, I now get to look forward to an endoscopy and the dreaded prep for a colonoscopy. All taking place later this month.
My calendar is dotted with unwanted appointments that will hopefully end with positive outcomes.
Hopefully. What a word. An adverb meaning in a hopeful manner. Which leads to the word hope. Definition: Grounds for believing something positive will happen.
So where do I get the grounds for believing something positive will happen? Sarah Young in her book Jesus Today describes hope as a hot air balloon. It is buoyant and lifts us above our problems, giving us the ability to soar over them and perceive our circumstances with a heavenly perspective.
So, as I am gliding above my health problems, I can see how God may be using them for my good. And I do believe this. Since my diagnosis, I have had more hugs and well wishes than I can count. I’ve been able to walk along some that I would’ve missed prior to this journey. I’ve had conversations that would’ve never taken place, and people I would’ve never met. All for my good.
My husband Jay and my French bulldog Vern have been by my side each step of the way. Even if Vern can be messy at times, I still call myself blessed.
Heard my Mom say hundreds of times, “It’s always darkest before dawn” which I learned years ago that it was an old proverb meaning that things often seem worst right before they improve, and it encourages perseverance during difficult times. Sending prayers for dawn!
Arnold, thank you for the kind words. I do believe this season will pass and I will experience the dawn that you speak of. I hope you and your family are doing well. Sorry we missed you at the funeral.