We saw this photo on one of our walks at Mercy Hospital. Mercy Medical Director, Dr. Richard Deming organizes world trips for cancer survivors; those people he says, “find possibility in what seems to be impossible.”
Deming states, “As a cancer doctor, I have learned so much about life by witnessing the transformation that occurs when individuals and families face a cancer diagnosis. Cancer becomes a mountain to climb, but it also becomes a teacher and a catalyst to changing one’s life.”
I remember a dear friend saying years ago, that cancer gave him such a clear focus on his priorities. In a remarkable confession he said that he wanted to be healed of cancer, but if being healed meant he would lose his focus, especially on Jesus, he would rather have the cancer! While many might find that to be an unacceptable response, it left an enduring impression on me. No doubt, you can recall times when things became very clear, like a ‘mountain top’ experience. But how typical it is to lose some of that focus when you climb back down the mountain and reengage in day to day life.
After reaching the goal of first remission, I thought I would climb down the mountain and get stronger and stronger. Instead, this past week found me weaker and with more struggles. But I thank God (literally) that He has allowed me to regain focus each day. Sometimes my thought processes switches from ‘this situation’ to ‘Jesus’ and back and forth throughout the day. But it never as been stuck in ‘suffering.’ This whole business of drawing close to God doesn’t make our situation go away. But it reminds us that we won’t be stuck in the situation forever and we never have to endure it alone. (Thanks Cindy for that reminder.)
Closing words from Dr. Deming: “Now more than ever, we choose to live our lives fully engaged and passionately committed. No matter how many days we have left on this earth, we do have today. It’s only by reaching for something that’s above and beyond what you think is possible that you have any idea what you can accomplish.”
As you look at your life, is there something you need to get above and beyond? Something that would matter so much in your life that living fully engaged and passionately committed to it would change the impossible to possible?
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” – Jesus, Mark 9:23
Thank you, Bryan. These are thoughts to ponder.
Have sent you clipping from Episcopalian telling of your Dr’s adventure. Hope you find of interest. Also sent possible clue to your weakness.