“Really Lord? You want me to meet them face-to-face?” In my heart, I knew HE was right. Besides, I’ve always been a face-to-face communicator. Although I embrace technology, in many ways, it’s isolated us more. Miscommunication, misinterpretation, and misfiring can happen. I’ve learned another new platform. I’m in their portal. Their names are on texts and emails. Still, they don’t know me-I don’t know them. Driving to their office I was tempted to eat one of the bagels I had bought. Bagels as a bribe? It might seem suspicious to some. That wasn’t my intent. Two sweet gals welcomed me when I walked in. Another older lady with, a beautiful smile, also stopped when I was greeted. “How can we help you?” Considering the advice I had received from many wise people in my life I shared my current health journey, how blessed I feel to have my comfortable home, and in a roundabout way, requested safe space and grace in my new learning (the whole process is completed on-line; I feel for anyone who might be technologically-challenged in navigating the system). They smiled and understood. Another kind young woman peeked around a corner and stepped out to meet me. “Girls, I brought bagels, too!” The counter was so high they hadn’t noticed, lol. One admitted she could smell them. I told her how tempted I was on the 2-mile drive to eat one. They introduced themselves. Wait for it…the names of the two front desk workers are……Faith and Hope! I about fell over in giggles and tears. I thought, “Sometimes the only way to reverse a situation that seems to be heading in the wrong direction is to reverse it.” Driving home past Bass Pro and thinking of my “kids”, all family, memories, warm bagels, and the goodness and grace of God, my heart was completely overflowing. I didn’t take bagels to “win” the upper hand. Yet, in ways, the table turned.
On the Sunday before his death, Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. He was praised. The next day he turned over tables in the temple because of the mockery; the buying and selling of goods. It was a disgrace. He continued to teach his disciples and foretell what was to come. At night, he’d retreat to the beautiful Mount of Olives. As Passover was being planned and a covenant celebrated, our Savior, Jesus, was breaking bread and pouring wine with his disciples. “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the stunning Garden of Gethsemane, he anguished over his future suffering. His death had been plotted and planned. Tomorrow, Friday, he would be arrested and a day of torture would begin. The fickleness of the crowd and influence of the government would place him on a cross. Vindication was near. The tables would soon turn.
A redbud tree (one of my favorites), a family of rabbits, and too many types of birds to count live in my backyard. The choir of birds makes my mornings. Spring has arrived. For years I’ve shared that fall is my favorite season. It still is but for some reason, this year, spring might be my favorite. Because I’m here. Buds have bloomed overnight. Although I feel weaker in some ways, in ways, I’m stronger. Do you ever feel like your situation CAN’T or WON’T change? It’s been almost a year since my diagnosis. Many feelings arise as I reflect on this past year. Last Easter I was celebrating and soon after, I would have a case of Covid that packed a punch. There are days I want to flip over a table. Calm comes quicker now. A peace that surpasses all understanding pokes holes. It eventually permeates and pulverizes the panic. I’ve taken the upper hand. The tables turned.
I created and wrote this 3 years ago (and a great title for my post today).
May you turn the table on anything trashing your truth, jeoparding your joy, taking your health hostage, and harnessing your happiness. May this Easter give you hope as we celebrate a promise, a covenant, that will never be broken. Have faith, my friends. You are loved. 💛
Have you heard of NET, Yet?
Next Thursday, April 13th, is my next treatment (#3 out of 4). I’m very happy to FINALLY move forward. Your prayers for platelets worked!I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some dread about how it will impact me. The results have been good. I’ll reevaluate as I proceed and decide how much of a “hit” can my body and bone marrow take?
It’s been tough, friends. My back has been all sorts of messed up (since I returned from my trip). I’m on new medication. It took a few days to “grapple” with that. First, I don’t like “just” being medicated. But I do like having relief from pain. Physical therapy, massage, and other options are what I desire first. But it’s risky for me. When attempting to walk my neighborhood a couple of days ago I met a cool young gal who provides in-home care. She shared some information with me as she saw that I was struggling. I appreciated God putting her, literally, in my path. He also put someone, again literally on the road, lol, in my path to mow my yard. It’s difficult giving up things I enjoy. However, I know it’s temporary. I have an MRI scheduled for May 9th to take a closer look. Hopefully, they can find a way to ease my bone and back pain. No matter what, whether I can find a new routine, walk 3 miles, or take weekly field trips, I’m going to keep dreaming and keep the faith! My goal is to write more. I was really looking forward to creating a newsletter this month. Unfortunately, time was not on my side. One of my favorite writers, Martha, has shared that to become a better writer, one needs to write! May God open up my healing and schedule to do that which I love the most. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I remember you all in my prayers and your lives keep me encouraged!
