The story...
I sat next to a woman on a train to Milwaukee yesterday. Unexpectedly, we shared much of the important parts of our lives. Kristen let me know that she had her eye removed with hopes of eradicating the cancer in her body yet she recently discovered that the cancer is now in her liver - there's no known cure for that type of cancer. She's participating in a sort of holistic program to extend her life with the hope that a new, yet unknown solution, might materialize.
She was a positive person with much support in her life. We discussed living in 3-month intervals, the pros and cons of hoping for a miracle, difficulties related to thinking about future plans, and the important parts of life that might make a difference into eternity. I think that we encouraged each other and were both better off for having met and listened to each other with open hearts. I'm glad that I chose to sit next to her. I wrote a prayer card and placed it in my prayer box. I hope that she lives a long fruitful life yet I likely will never know - we shared only our first names. I wish now we would have traded e-mail addresses.
The only church in town would likely be a place where congregates might expect conversations regarding life's challenges and eternal realities with open, honest, and humble God trusting people. Human wisdom and hope have limited value when interment is in view.
Just for today...
- Value each person we meet - it's a miracle that each of us is alive.
- Be open to God's leading and resist temptations to be your own little god.
- Seek to understand them - you might open an opportunity to both give and receive love.
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