Imagine opportunities you can see across the Missouri River. You dig your toes into the sandy beach and shield your eyes from the rising sun. The shore looks a long way off. You aren’t a good swimmer and the water is cold. Inside your belly, a fire burns longing to get to the other side. In an act of faith, you take a step and feel the current around your ankles.
Courage and trust. Will you make it to the other side? Only God knows.
As I said before, while all of us have only today to fulfill our purpose on earth, somehow cancer changes your thinking about tomorrow. You are painfully aware that your life could change in a heartbeat, even when you feel like a million bucks — adjusted for inflation, even if you feel like a million and one-half bucks, you know in time. It will be your time.
As my thinking changes, so have I. I’m redirecting some energy to what I hope will be seen as unselfish acts of kindness. I am stepping out of my comfort zone to use my talents and time for what I see as a new purpose to my limited life.
The analogy about stepping into the river came from a guest sermon by Siimon Haamer about three weeks ago. Pastor Siimon manages the Tartu Academy of Theology in Estonia. TAT is one of the Charity Lutheran Church’s Mission.
It’s not that I haven’t heard this before. When God calls, you step out in faith and He will make it happen. But some days your receptors have to be open to HEAR good advice. And, I did. So I did. I asked if I could be of use in Estonia at the TAT Bible School. It was a resounding “yes” from Pastor Bob Nordvall who leads a small group to Estonia annually in August.
August is nearly a year away.
I stepped into the river anyway.
On Monday morning, my feet were cold from the water. What had I done? What if?
Well, I can always count on my friend, Shelley, for words of wisdom, “You are overthinking this.” So I stopped thinking and began planning.
Another purpose?
In speaking with the local representative of the American Lung Association, I agreed to tell my story and advocate for lung cancer research and early screening. If chosen, I will go to Washington, DC in April. I’m so very excited and would be honored to be chosen to share my experiences and hopes about lung cancer. November is lung cancer month so expect me to write about that in the upcoming weeks.
Yet, one more purpose?
I’m a little hesitant about putting this purpose in writing. Many of my close friends have heard me muttering about a devotional, gardening, farmer market, recipe book, apocalyptic love story novel waiting to be birthed and brought to fruition in my lifetime.
There have been signs, big and small, about my writing. With unwarranted courage, I stepped further into the Missouri River, investing in online classes on Christian writing and publishing.
That means a few decisions about letting go of the things that might pull me away from these new goals. I ponder this daily as numbness from the cold water begins creeping up my legs.
However, without a specific purpose, does one wander aimlessly through the day waiting for doors to open? Not really. There is one very simple purpose for us on earth. As we study Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
His purpose is to love one another, glorify His name, and use your time and talent to help make this place better.
Let’s start the week with that one — I love and cherish you, your prayers and support. I’m always looking for ways to pay it forward so you know your friendship multiplies daily in my life.
As far as those first steps into the river, Friday’s neck-to-pelvis CT scan showed No New Evidence of Disease.
The water’s up to my knees.
INDYchildrendotme 
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