Psalm 94:17-19 "Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say, 'my foot slips,' Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."
I wasn't going to write tonight. I was feeling pretty blue...and I just didn't have any words to share with you.
Then Matthew called...he had some words of cheer...and now I have something to say.
Earlier today Matt had called and said that he was having a lot of pain, so much so that he needed to take medication. Obviously this created great anxiety within me. Here I sit in Florida and Matt and his family are about 1500 miles away in Maine. I can't just run up there and take care of him like my mother heart wants to do. Besides, even if I could, I can't take away his pain. That's only something God can do. I have to trust God to do what He has promised to do...take care of my son. I'm not very good at that. I still want to be in control of this situation...
However, tonight Matthew sounded encouraged...and this is why: A friend of his called up today and wanted to know what Matt's plans are for October! Matthew quickly told him that he didn't know if he'd even be here in October. His friend said, "No, Matt, we're making plans for October. I want you and your son Noah to go hunting with me and stay at my camp. We're going to be optimistic and keep making plans!"
Just these enthusiastic words of hope, encouragement and optimism totally changed Matt's attitude and perspective on this whole situation. He, in turn, was able to share this encouragement with us, which also resulted in helping our feelings and bringing us a measure of comfort tonight. I needed that especially tonight. God knew that I needed that...He knew that Matthew needed that...
Don't ever hesitate to share positive thoughts and visions of a happy future with someone who is facing a difficult situation. Perhaps some might scoff or even get angry about such "ideas"...but deep inside we all need a dream to cling to. I have no doubt that God inspired that man to call Matt tonight and share his ideas and plans with him. I, for one, thank God for this friend."In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."
Lord, help us to always be ready to obey your nudges to offer a word of hope and encouragement to another who may be struggling along the way. Thank You for so many who are already doing just that. Amen.
I have a friend who is a life coach. In his seminar he teaches we are all about the images we hold in our heads. That's a simple version of a complicated subject but it is absolutely necessary to imagine ourselves as we desire to be.
ReplyDeleteTherefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:24
When we are able to talk I'll explain my understanding of why it works that way. I'm no expert but it makes sense to me. Love you girlfriend and praying for Matt and the family.
I appreciate your affirmation and confirmation of that thought. Little by little, God is putting a lot of pieces together to help us face this situation with courage and faith and HOPE!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Where in Maine is your son? I live in midcoast Maine. My youngest son was diagnosed in 2005 with desmoplastic small round cell tumor and passed away in 2008. He was a pediatric patient at Maine Childrens Cancer Clinic and also went to Dana Farber in Boston. Your son and mine are the only ones I've ever heard of having this disease in the state of Maine. There are others though. We have a group that shares treatment information and provides support. Good luck to your son.
ReplyDeletePatty Robertson
http://www.caringbridge.org/me/nathan/
Dear Patty, Thank you so much for writing. I am very sorry to hear about your son. I can only imagine how you must miss him. My heart goes out to you and you and your family will be in my prayers. Matthew is 37 years old, which is old to have this particular disease. He is still undergoing chemo, but they are hoping to stop that by the end of October. The doctors are optimistic that because the cancer was discovered very early there is a good chance for his recovery. We are praying they are right. So far, so good. The tumors appear to be shrinking considerably, and have not spread thus far. Matthew lives in Lyman, ME, which is near Biddeford. We will be going up to visit him the first weekend of October. If you have information about your support group, please share. I will check out your caringbridge site and share that with Matthew. Thank you for taking the time to write! How did you discover my blog?
ReplyDeleteMay God's peace and comfort be with you and yours.
Sincerely,
Pam