Getting Through the In Betweens- Living with Purpose, February 11
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Dan Held
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:31 NLT).
A counseling client of mine struggled with depressive illness for quite some time before finally seeking help. As a 51-year-old attorney, he reached a point where he could see little to live for. At one point his family doctor recommended that, due to his age and family history, he should get an initial colonoscopy. At his next session with me two weeks later he announced the shocking news: tests came back positive for Stage IV cancer. A cancer that started in his colon had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver. Initially the diagnosis left him feeling numb, but in his next visit with me he made an interesting comment. “This will sound strange,” he said, “but this cancer is actually turning out to be something of a blessing. Where before I had no sense of my future, now I’m feeling this desire to live and finally figure out what my real priorities in life are all about.”
Sound strange to you?
My take-away was that his cancer was the crisis that helped him re-organize his life, clarify his values, re-commit to his marriage, and manage both his time and money more effectively. He used the in-between time of his cancer treatment to face life with renewed purpose and genuine urgency. What could he do for his wife that he’d been neglecting? What could he do for his church? For his family? The local community? He could now understand what he was living for.
Along His journey to Jerusalem where He would die for our sins on the cross of Calvary, Jesus noted the tendency His disciples had to worry about too many little things. Maybe we’ve all been there at some point or another, but Jesus taught them a lesson in reordering life’s priorities. After telling the parable of the rich man who worked at building up his future fortune only to have his life end that very night, Jesus assures the disciples they have no need to worry about the cares of each day. He goes on to advise, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:31 NLT).
So how clear are your own priorities today? What on earth are you living for? Cancer can have a way of lulling us into a feeling of apathy, as we find ourselves in a waiting game—for the next treatment, side effect, appointment, or scan. This waiting can too easily tempt us to ignore our larger purpose. Serving God and helping God’s people as your first priority can help you renew your sense of purpose, find your genuine urgency. Break out of that trap and seize a feeling of genuine urgency to truly live your life, as you live it for God. Then watch what God will do.
Pray: God of unusual blessing, help me today to see that which is most important to You, to others, and to myself. Clarify my values, order my priorities, and help me place first things first. Amen.
Your Turn: Why not use this acronym to guide you through today: W.I.N.— “What’s Important Now?” Set your priorities with God’s help and do your first things first.
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.
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