Good morning…

My friend who is battling brain cancer has invited us to join her on her journey through her Caringbridge site. She ends each post with things she wants to remember. Like any truth, that which is deep is also most wide. Yesterday’s wisdom reached deep to extend wide, embracing all of us.

“Things I want to remember:
BRAIN SURGERY IS PAINFUL: makes me feel like I would rather die right after, but 2 weeks out I’m managing the pain with very little meds. Each day is a big step forward.
CHRONIC STRESS IS DEADLY: if I allow stress in my life, I will suffer so I need do what it takes to manage or eliminate the stress.
PEOPLE NOT THINGS MATTER: Things weigh me down, people lift me up. I need people in my life, all kinds; introverts who make the best listeners, extroverts who get me out doing things when so easily I could stay in my room all day, goofballs who make me laugh when I feel like crying, nerds who like to discuss science with me, old friends who remind me of the good ole days, new friends from all over who introduce me to new places, new things, and new hopes.
CHOOSE JOY EACH DAY: I am going to start the day praying ‘Lord, help me to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Help me to choose joy over fear, acknowledging your blessings that surround me daily. Let me use today to make a difference in someone’s life.'”

I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember–
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there’s one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope.

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It’s a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God, Lamentations 3:19-26 (MSG),

Sue