I noticed a spot on my right arm a few months ago that did not look "right." I showed it to my doctor during my annual visit, who referred me to a dermatologist. When they did a biopsy, it showed up as skin cancer, although it was the size of a pin prick. They immediately did a test of the area around the infected portion, and found no trace of any more cancer cells, so I have only a four-inch scar on my right arm to show for the experience. I have that, plus a more resolute will to make the most of my remaining days.
My small encounter with the "big C" caused me to reflect on some of my life-defining verses from the Bible, such as:
- “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is" (Psalm 39:4).
- "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).
- "My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies,from those who pursue me" (Psalm 31:5).
I don't know what the future holds for me - how many days I have left or what condition I will be in during those days. My faith and hope are strong in the Lord, but as the psalmist wrote, my times are indeed in His hands. If I am going to publish all my New Testament Bible studies, the time is now. If I am going to leave a legacy of purpose, the time to do that is now. If I am going to visit Ukraine, the home of my family's past, the time is now. If I am going to help others write their books and stories, the time is now.
One of the earliest songs I learned when I became a believer is "This is the Day." This is indeed the day to do what God has created me to do, not waiting for ideal circumstances. This is the day to love, to write, to travel, to encourage, to create, to minister, to teach, and to live. God gave me a scar to remind me of my own mortality and limitations, and to remind me to thank Him each day for the gift that it is.
What about you? If you are going to take the missions trip, plan it today. If you are going to write the book, start it today and write every day until it's finished. If you are going to take a family trip, take it today. If you are going to earn the degree, start it today. Stephen Covey suggested that you write your own funeral eulogy right now, and then realize if that's how you want to be remembered, you must begin doing and being those things today so you will create the memories for tomorrow.
I thank God that I found what I did when I did, and that it wasn't larger. I thank God that I have another day to do His will. I invite you to join me on this magnificent journey called life, as together we make the most of the days we have,so that we will all eventually hear those words we long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." If I can help you on your journey in any way, let me know. Have a blessed week!
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KENYA UPDATE: Here is the latest update on the crisis at Upako in Kenya. Read it and then give as you are led, using the special link through PayPal or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. Thank you!
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