I’m sitting here in the Infusion Center, waiting for my pre-chemo drugs. My port was stubborn this morning, so instead of starting at 9, we’ll be starting around 11:45 (hopefully). I’ve been able to spend time praying for people as I scroll through prayer needs on my computer. My friend Kim stopped by and we chatted for a bit. And of course, my handsome husband is here and as I speak is getting me lunch from Baja Fresh.
As I chatted with Kim this morning, instead of asking how I was doing today, she asked me what had brought me joy this week. What a great thing to think about as I sit here waiting to be poisoned. It’s so easy to let circumstances rob me of my joy. But that’s really a choice, and honestly, not a good one.
This week, because I haven’t felt sick (just tired and some tingling in my fingers and feet as well as some pain in a few of my joints), I’ve enjoyed time with my family and that has been a true joy! Of course there have been times I haven’t enjoyed as well, because, well, I’m a parent and our kids aren’t perfect. But as I pray for our girls, I’ve been praying that I would have individual time with each of them and those times this week have been so special. I was able to help our oldest sew a dress (with some help from my cousin who knows much more about sewing than I do). I spent some time reading with our youngest and was able to snuggle and relax our middle daughter. My husband and I also went out on a real date (not a date to the infusion center).
The floors needed sweeping and mopping. There were toys and craft supplies strew about the house, but I was able to ignore those things (which is so hard for me) and just spend time with them. It’s nice to be able to slow down (even though it’s been forced on my because of chemo). I love doing life with these 4, even on the hard days.
There is also so much joy and hope in the Lord. This morning I was reading the blog of another cancer patient who so sweetly wrote about the greatest gift of all – God’s Son, through whom comes our hope. This world, that seems to be spinning out of control, is just temporary. But God is not. He is eternal and Christmas is such a great reminder to me of His perfect plan of salvation.
Well, chemo is now over and I’m home resting. (And eating sugar cookies. Shhhh! Don’t tell the kids!) Feeling OK so far, just tired!
Happy Christmas Eve Eve!
So much to be thankful for . . .
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The “forced” slow down is one of the “benefits” of chemo ♥ and sometimes just slowing down helps us remember things rightly and to think on the things of the Lord. I, too, am reminded constantly that this world, and our living in it, is temporary…what a perspective it brings to the trial of cancer and chemo, right? Christmas blessings on you 5 ♥ may the Lord, born many years ago in the stable, be your hope as you press on through this trial into the new year ♥ Praying and love, your “port sister” 😉
Slowing down definitely makes you look at things differently! Merry Christmas!
As we are in the most wonderful season remembering out Lords birth, hearing you express yours joys was so nice. Our Lord is good and we have so much to be thankful for, now and our future promise of salvation. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you Patty. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
What a great subject to talk about – what brought joy this week! Instead of focusing on the the poison and all the problems that come with it , the focus is on the joy that only Christ can give – even (especially) in this trial. As we go about visiting with family this Christmas, I’m going to remember to ask them the same question. Most are non-believers and it will be interesting to hear what they say and an opportunity to share the joy of Christ. Thank you Jennifer, for sharing your journey and for allowing us the privilege of praying for all of you. We pray that God would bless you all even more this Christmas. Love to you and your family ❤️
I will pray that that question gives you the opportunity to share the gospel with them! Merry Christmas Denise!
In my prayers daily
Thank you Karyn. Merry Christmas!
I feel very small and selfish after reading your blog because I let pressure and craziness of the day (Christmas Eve)take away some of my “JOY”. Your love of God and the trust you have in His Word is an amazing encouragement and speaks volumes to each of us. Your Christmas will be different this year, but we pray that God’s love and grace will continue to fill your hearts and minds as you celebrate our Savior’s birth and look to a New Year. The “joy” you have found, in spite of this difficult journey, is a precious gift to all who know and love you. Holiday hugs and eternal love!
Thank you Marcia. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🙂