Don't take a single day for granted

These have been some rather busy days with many times of remembering the tremendous support of so many friends as we celebrated Carol’s life on the 12th last year. It amazes me at how it can seem like such a short time on one hand and extremely long on the other. How does that happen?

The emails, cards, calls and even personal visits have been a tremendous encouragement for me. Each of you has been a blessing! Thanks so very much.

Last evening I was invited to neighbor Keith’s home for dinner. He always does a fantastic job of cooking. We just sat down at the table and started to serve ourselves when he was hit with some chest pains that escalated to the point that pain was shooting down his arms, his hands were going numb, he started shaking, went into a cold sweat and had difficulty breathing. The paramedics were very quick in responding to our call, for which I was thankful, taking him to the hospital after getting him stabilized for travel. After several hours and many tests they could not determine what the cause was, but the pain all disappeared, and I brought him home late at night. This is especially challenging being that he is between jobs and without insurance. Pray for wisdom in finding the root of the problem.

This morning I received an email from friend Bob who is in Canada and has been fighting lung cancer but seemingly had it under control. He said that he started to get chest pains again and after examination finds that “the cancer has exploded” causing choking off of his windpipe, lung lobe collapsed, new tumors and fluid around his heart. Bob says; “I am so THANKFUL for this past year that I’ve had—our FATHER is so faithful—even now.” He will be having a 6-hour chemo infusion on Wednesday (15th). He is asking that we pray that the chemo will accomplish it’s purpose and that he and the family will “stay strong and keep faith that He is in charge.” Do pray for Bob.

Recently I was reading Ecclesiastes 11 in The Daily Message and a portion of it spoke to me:

Oh how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.

Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.

Love,

Chuck