On Thursday, Josh will have a biopsy on a mass at the base of his neck/top of his shoulder. It is the final test after two weeks of blood work, an x-ray, ultrasound and CT scan. Some of the past tests have been somewhat conflicting, and we hope this final test will rule once and for all that it is but a fat build up, also called a fatty tumor.
All of this has reminded us that at any moment the future “certainties” that we take for granted can swiftly change. That the direction life is taking can change in a moment.
It’s a reminder to learn to suffer well. We’ll all go through suffering at some point, in some way. One can’t get through life completely carefree. And so I’m reminded that “Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.” 1 Peter 4:1-2, The Message.
Part of me wants to be tyrannized by what I want, because what I want is comfort in every area of life. But I know, I really do know that doesn’t bring lasting satisfaction. Not that I’m asking for a trial; I’m not. But I do want to face life free to pursue God in the face of whatever it is he has for us.
Despite the waiting for the biopsy results, I still can find thanksgiving in . . .
410. A wonderful interview with Nancy Guthrie. Her heart-breaking trials have resulted in a wonderful testimony of what it means to suffer well. She is an example to me of suffering in a Christ-centered way. Listen to it. Especially if you’re facing hardship.
411. Casting my cares on the Lord–trusting Him with our future–whatever is in store.
412. The Holy Spirit’s sustaining strength and not struggling that much with worry.
413. Sing, Spell, Read and Write purchased via Craig’s List for $20.
414. Ice cream at Prigel Creamery.
415. A trip to Lancaster to catch up with good friends. Their hospitality and good food. A summer evening concert.
416. A weeded garden.
417. Fresh tomatoes.
418. Homeschool co-op lessons pretty much done for the fall.
419. An evening of watching Larkrise to Candleford and painting my nails. Felt like a vacation!
420. Josh’s safe travel to and from WorshipGod11 last week.
421. New library books.
422. Banana sour cream pancakes.
423. Pool time, dinner, and a movie with my mom and siblings.
424. Quiet time to myself at Barnes and Noble with a Starbucks in hand.
425. Pizza night with the Almengor family.
Honored to have made your list. 🙂 You are on mine, too. I just don’t publish it. :)Now that your garden is weeded, do you want to come and do mine. It’s hideous. I’m sure our neighbors hate us. Can’t wait to finish the N.Guthrie interview. And, I may have to try those pancakes tomorrow a.m. as we have some bananas to use up here.
Good morning, Danielle. I’ve been meaning to come say “hi” for a while. Your post encourages me this morning as I walk through a little “season of suffering”. (Thanks for the link to Nancy Guthrie) Praying for your Josh now. It’s the waiting that’s so hard, isn’t it?
BTW, I used Sing, Spell, Read and Write with my boys (25 years ago – wow) and loved it. I still remember many of the songs. Enjoy!
Praying for Josh. Keep us posted.
Hope test results come back w/ good news. (and that little spaghetti stained face was precious) 🙂