My husband is ¾ of the way through his chemotherapy treatments, and we are planning for a new school year. Our summer has been very usual on one level, but there is another dimension unquestionably driving us toward fall. It is the medical battle popping in and out of these blistering days of summer. Hovering above the heat of summer and this cancer battle are spiritual forces. Sometimes it is the roaring lion, and we are reminded to be alert. Other times it is huge waves of blessing and comfort from above.
The bi-weekly treatment schedule sets the rollercoaster pace of the cancer battle. Mid-treatment tests identified no signs of cancer sending cool waves of encouragement through the summer heat! Mark has found a rhythm in the schedule too. There are several hard days of anticipation and then just plain endurance. Treatments are undoubtedly physical but have also become a psychological struggle that only spiritual armor can truly combat. God has equipped my husband maybe through military training but clearly through His word and the power of the Holy Spirit to muster the discipline and strength to endure – no complaining, no self-pity. Mark is patient in affliction and faithful in prayer while he continues to serve the needs of his family and enjoy the gift of work as he prepares for the new school year.
Camp, swimming, summer reading, visits from friends and family, late night movies – these are some of the regular summer-time activities that are especially familiar to our children, and God is blessing us with this time to strengthen our bonds in the family of Christ. We celebrated the baptism and birthday of our youngest child, 13 years of fatherhood on Father’s Day, the birth of our country with fireworks, and our 18th wedding anniversary. We were blessed and encouraged by visits from friends and family. The summer of 2011 will undoubtedly be remembered as a time of extreme testing and blessings where God’s mercy and grace abound.
We know that we are in a time of preparation and are excited to see how God will use this time to His glory in the future. God is changing us - molding our will toward His and sharpening us to better serve Him. Moving toward fall and the end of this battle, we are determined that we will be different. We want to be more fervent in prayer, more alert, more ready to serve. Meanwhile God’s word is more alive than ever in our souls. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:11-13
