THROUGH EVERY SEASON

Today was a day that I had long awaited…my chemotherapy port was removed. This is a minor, outpatient surgery, but it comes with a MAJOR meaning. Not only is cancer gone, but my medical team is confident that it will NEVER return. Thinking back through the past year, I realize what a true blessing this is and I am forever grateful. I kept believing this day would come, and now it is finally here.

Is there something you are waiting for but it seems to be taking FOREVER? Perhaps you have doubts that your day of victory will ever come. I have felt like that many times, but I know that even on my “ye of little faith days,” God was still there. I saw God moving in amazing ways through the winter season and, in His perfect timing, Spring and new life has returned once again. Trials are promised, and none of us enjoy the challenges that come with those trials. But always remember that those same trials also grow us, stretch us, strengthen us, and give us a new outlook on life. God always has a purpose!

Life’s seasons continually change, which means winter will not last forever. During the cold and dreary times, it's so important to SPEAK LIFE, set some goals and plan some things to look forward to. Then, when the harvest comes, we can move ahead with those wonderful plans. I had planned a trip to NY after my final treatment, and what an amazing time I had visiting family and friends. Now we are planning a trip to Florida, as well as Nashville. I no longer procrastinate. Whenever I get an idea to do something, I start looking into it and lay down some flexible plans. Even if it’s just to go to the beach for one day, or to visit a friend, I’m going to enjoy my days while I am able. God wants us to live life MORE abundantly. I know that seasons will change again and that sometimes they can take a mean and sudden turn. We just never know what tomorrow will bring. So don’t put things off! Do what you can while you still can…get the new furniture, take that trip, visit your family, and enjoy each new day you've been blessed with. If you don’t have the time or financial means to travel, there are still other things you can do. Call someone or take a walk in the park. Ask God for wisdom and do those things you enjoy, and are gifted in, and don’t forget to help others! Draw close to the Lord while you can, and it will help you through all those rainy days!

Several years ago, my gynecologist suggested I have a hysterectomy. He told me that I had a slightly higher risk of getting endometrial cancer. Well, I didn’t “feel like it.” I didn’t have time for surgery, and I didn’t believe that I would ever get cancer. So, I ignored his recommendation. Then, just a few years later, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Fortunately, it was still caught early enough to be surgically removed … truly a miracle. Then, at the time of the surgery, my oncologist wanted to remove my ovaries as well. I didn’t want to do that because I didn’t want to go into instant menopause. She STRONGLY recommended it, but once again I thought … I won’t get cancer AGAIN. But only 7 months later my ovaries blew up and the biopsy showed it was ovarian cancer. I ended up having to have a 2nd surgery, but this time also needed chemotherapy. Thankfully, it was again caught in an early stage … yet another miracle!

I tell you these things because it’s extremely important to hear from God, especially when it comes to our health. Our bodies are God’s temple, and he wants them well and He sometimes uses doctors to help us. God has given me wisdom now to get screened and make every effort to take care of myself, both physically and spiritually. I used to avoid doctors, but now I thank God for giving us doctors who can help us make the right medical decisions. So many of us truly take our doctors and medical staff for granted. Can you imagine if there were no hospitals and no medications available?

Today I also had my first colonoscopy, and it came back clear! Several weeks ago, I had a mammogram, and subsequent biopsy … all clear. I know some people reading this will have to learn the hard way … just like I did. But maybe, just maybe, this will encourage some of you to get that annual physical, get screened, and then seek God for wisdom in the best approach. Of course, eating healthy, moderate exercise, and spending time with the Lord are soooooo extremely important. Find time to invest and do this during your HARVESTING and HEALTHY years so that you can prepare and better sustain those winter seasons. Don’t be so busy that you neglect taking care of yourself. Remember, the best gift you can give your family and friends is a healthy YOU!

Wherever you are TODAY, stop and thank God.

Embrace every season … the good days and the bad days. They all serve a purpose, and I believe the bad days make the better days even better. So don’t fret in the winter seasons and don’t become lazy in those comfy summer seasons. Wherever you are TODAY, stop and thank God. Thank Him for bringing you through, even your current trial, and SPEAK LIFE! He is there with you, sitting next to you in the chemotherapy chair. He is with you as your tears fall over your loved one’s grave. Listen closely and hear Him … in the bird’s songs and the laughter of children. Look closely and see Him—in the design of the clouds and the smile of a stranger. He is always there, even when we are unaware … through every season.

Ms. Lady Lake