Tag Archives: We can’t focus on what’s been taken away. We have to focus on what we have been given.

Let it go

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In Saving Mr. Banks, Walt Disney recalls to Mrs. Travers a sad tale of growing up with his father which he then concludes:

Walt Disney: I don’t tell you this to make you sad, Mrs. Travers. I don’t. I love my life, I think it’s a miracle. And I loved my dad. We was a wonderful man. But rare is the day when I don’t think about that eight-year-old boy delivering newspapers in the snow and old Elias Disney with that strap in his fist. And I am just so tired, Mrs. Travers. I’m tired of remembering it *that* way. Aren’t you tired, too, Mrs. Travers? Now we all have our sad tales, but don’t you want to finish the story? Let it all go and have a life that isn’t dictated by the past.

How do you remember your past? Is it a story of wonder, love, and joy? Or do you focus on that part of the past that dwells on disappointment and sorrow? For sure, we should remember accurately, but just not dwell on what we have lost, rather remember what we’ve been given. The past serves best to teach us, not to imprison us.

Let’s finish our story and not have a life dictated by the past. Restore hope again. Forgive others and yourself. The same lesson may well apply to the present time. Don’t let yourself become worried with the cares of life. Live fully. Be satisfied with what remains.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:25, 27

Two Month Progress Report

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It’s hard to believe that it has already been two months since my stem cell transplant. In many ways God has blessed me to be way ahead of the curve. For example, the engraftment of my donor cells took place in one month versus the expected three. I have had comparatively quite a bit of energy and few significant issues. A low grade fever last night was quickly resolved, indicating to me that the donor cells are doing their job and also reminding me how important it is for me to continue precautions, especially during this first 100 days. I am able to get out into the community with a mask, while avoiding large crowds. I miss being at church and hope to return as my immunity allows me to be around larger groups of people. I am able to visit with healthy people. In fact, even though visits sometimes tire me, they also pump me up, so the overall effect is a positive gain. This Leukemia experience has revealed to me how lonely chronic illness can be and causes me to reflect on how sensitive I have or have not been to others’ needs when they were ill. I need to do better.

Going off the steroid has led me from mania to extreme fatigue. (I can’t believe I needed two naps today) and the skin burns are getting old. Mental acuity is a bit improved, allowing me focus on budget and project planning for an hour or so at a time. Even though you cannot ignore challenges like this, you can rise above them. my brother’s wisdom has helped me quite a bit:

We can’t focus on what’s been taken away. We have to focus on what we have been given.

This has been very applicable in our situation where health, freedom, job/income, abilities were all taken away at once. But what we have been given is a closer relationship with each other and with God, a greater sensitivity to our real identity in Christ and to others, and time to heal and to minister to those around us.

Focusing on what’s been taken away brings despair and regret. Focusing on what God has given us brings hope, thanksgiving and joy…and a renewed passion for living fully for Jesus.

What things have been taken away from you that have captivated too much of your attention? Focus instead on the things you have been given and find the joy and peace that come with cultivating a thankful heart throughout each day.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33