Seize the Day and Rejoice in It, July 29
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Ashley Taylor
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV).
Little Grace is the name we called the precious little girl who was our neighbor and friend; our oldest daughter we called Big Grace. Little Grace was diagnosed at age six with DIPG, a rare form of pediatric brain cancer with a 0% long-term survival rate. Fifteen months after her diagnosis, Little Grace left this world to be home with her heavenly Father. During her illness, in spite of how sick she was, she and her family traveled to Australia, swam with the whale sharks, took a trip to Disney, and went sailing with my family. She continued to go to school and played with her friends. She taught my family to live life and to live each day to the fullest.
Prior to my being diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2019, my husband, James, and I had planned a summer trip to the Bahamas with some close friends. With the initial treatment plan of a lumpectomy and radiation, I was determined to still make this happen. Then, when some test results came in, we found out I would need chemo. We discussed the trip with my doctor, who said we would have to see how I was doing at that time. He agreed to work my chemo treatments around the trip in case it worked out for us to go. We left his office wondering if we were meant to go on this trip even if he said it was okay. Our minds were racing with all of the many possible things that could go wrong.
James and I decided we did not need to be in a hurry to make a decision. Ultimately, my extraordinary husband was giving me time and letting me make the choice for us. We had been looking so forward to the trip. We had spent a week there a few years back with our daughters and loved it. God’s handiwork was so evident in this place of calm and beauty. Could I do it? I needed time to be in prayer and conversation with the Lord about my fears.
And then, the moment arrived; my doctor cleared me to go. For me, it had become a simple decision. We had listened to wise counsel and prayed for guidance, and God had given me peace about this trip being right for us. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV). I thought back to what God had taught me through Little Grace. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. God does not want us to worry. We are meant to LIVE in the moment. James and I needed to make this trip and have this time together, trusting in God and knowing that with His help, we would handle any problems that might arise (and they did). Each day is a gift, and with thanksgiving, I praise God in saying, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Pray: Gracious God, may we live each day as the gift it is from You, without worry and fear. Let us rejoice in each day we are given and be glad in it. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to this song called “Sparrows” by Jason Gray, and read God’s words in Matthew 6:25-34. What do they say to you?
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
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