Wisdom From A Battlefield

Wisdom from a Battlefield

Are the pages on your calendar turning as quickly as mine appear to be? It seems like just a short time ago we welcomed summer and now here it is—October. I wish time would move a bit slower because I like this month. Cooler temperatures are replacing summer’s heat and we have a bit of time, if we’ll take advantage of it, to slow down and enjoy nature’s gifts in the richness of autumn before the busyness of the holiday season kicks in.

I’ll celebrate my older son’s birthday this month. And I’ll also take time to honor friends and family members who are pausing to celebrate the gift of life. They are breast cancer survivors and the families and friends who love them.

Women (and men, too) are treasuring the gift of life each day as they battle cancer. I have neighbors, friends, business associates, family members, and fellow church members who are learning how to survive its havoc and cherish each day as they move on with their lives. It’s likely this disease has touched your circle of family and friends as well. Perhaps it has become a part of your own life journey.

There are some whose fight with this disease is well known to us while others face cancer’s challenges quietly, and we are unaware. Yet in many ways, it touches us all.

God has given me opportunities to walk alongside some courageous women as they battle breast cancer. On this journey, they’re the teacher and I’m the student. Their strength, wisdom, courage, and honesty have influenced me in countless ways. So, in their honor, I’ll share a few of the life lessons I’m learning—pearls of wisdom to reflect on as we move through October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness.

* Cancer is no respecter of persons. It invades the lives of men and women from all walks of life, regardless of age, background, financial status, or spiritual journey.

* Life is not always fair.

* You may not have a choice about what comes into your life but you do have a choice about how you will respond and the attitude you will choose to have as you move through the experience. Will you see yourself as a victim or a survivor?

* Battling cancer is hard work.

* It’s important to take charge of your life and your health. Understand how your body functions and then make healthy lifestyle choices. When in doubt, ask, and keep on asking until you understand.

* Some of the most beautiful women I know are bald.

* Planning for the future is important, but the reality is this: you have the certainty of only this present moment. How will you make it count?

* Don’t take anything for granted.

* The journey of life takes unexpected twists and turns. While we’re each responsible for how we travel along that path, we don’t have to make the trip alone. Friends and family are waiting to come alongside with assistance and companionship.

* Laughter is great medicine.

* Encouragement is a priceless gift.

* Prayer is powerful, not just for the one with the need being voiced, but also for the one offering the prayer. God’s mercy and grace are sufficient for each day as we draw close to him. As we pour out our hearts and as we experience the peace that only he can give.

* Don’t save the good china just for company.

* When you think you can’t take another step, stop and rest. Then take a deep breath and dig into the center of your soul where you’ll find God’s strength and courage for the next step.

* We all have much to teach each other, and much to learn. Take time to share those life lessons with those around you, and listen.

* Never give up. Never.

* Take time, each day, to celebrate the gift of life, and to thank God for the blessings He gives, even in the midst of the battle.

To those of you who are cancer survivors yourselves or perhaps friends or family members of someone who has been battling this disease, I offer my respect, love, encouragement, and prayers. I also give my commitment to make the lessons of your life count in my life, and to share those pearls of wisdom with others.

God bless you.