There are times in our lives where we are faced with many hard decisions and other times where things are rather quiet. We haven’t had to make any of those tough decisions lately….until now. Our Pawpaw was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer last week and given only 2-3 months to live. Choosing to live the life we live overseas (or being chosen) comes with many compromises and sometimes sacrifices (though none compare with Jesus’ sacrifice for us). We struggle with what to do in times like this. This time, we are choosing to go back to the States for 2 weeks to be able to see Pawpaw while he is still alive. It will be a whirlwind kind of trip, but we felt like it is one that needed to be taken. (See editor’s note below.)
It has been a tough week thinking about Pawpaw and preparing for Thanksgiving. I have tried to be a good mom to my little ones, keep the house in order for guests, deal with a child’s stomach virus (and hope that I didn’t just pass it along to the 20 people who were in my home), and prepare for our trip to America (are we crazy for flying with a 1 and 2 year old???)
The Bible says that we are to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18) So, am I thankful? Harry A. Ironside said, “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.”
This week of Thanksgiving should be the opposite of what I have made it—stressful, exhausting, without joy, without thanks to my Creator who longs for me to be a Mary and not a Martha. He wants me to sit at His feet and quit running around like the world depends on me to keep spinning. “Help me, Jesus, to praise you more as I worry less and to be content and satisfied as I overflow with thanksgiving.”
As I sit here with my sick child, God is whispering to me Be thankful…look at what I have done this week (two Thanksgiving dinners for our local friends, a Christian concert, and an American Thanksgiving celebration)… rest in me… I am enough.
Editor’s Note: Since this blog was written, I received the following note from its author. “Just so you know, we did return to the States and were able to visit with Papaw for a few days before he passed away and were even there for the funeral. God’s timing was incredible and we were so thankful that we were able to be there during that time.” Please join me in thanking God for His blessings on this family. May His Spirit be their comforter and guide…
(names, locations and blog links omitted due to security issues; stock photo)
My family shared similar circumstances. We received a call while on the field that we needed to come home as soon as possible,. God was faithful to let us be with my father before he died. We returned to the field, thankful for God’s provision, and knowing that my dad was in heaven with the Lord. May God continue to bless you each day with His strength as you faithfully serve Him.
Dear Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thank you for guiding us as Christians, healing, too. Thank you for saving our souls. God, bless my family and the family of the missionaries around the world, pastors, teachers and all who love You. Thank you for calling home the Dad who had cancer in perfect timing for one child who is a misionary in this article. Praise God. In Jesus name we ask You to lead us to win people to Christ faster and faster than the population is growing. That way, we may see the knowledge of the glory of God cover the earth like the water covers the sea. In Jesus name, Amen.