Reeling from the Unexpected

Every day God reminds me He is in control. Not me. Not ever.

For the second time in just as many months, I am shocked by the devastation of cancer in the life of someone I know and love.

Just today, I learned that a dear friend went to the hospital last week with a sudden onset of back and leg pain. He later received news that his body is riddled with cancer lesions. Doctors give him 3-6 months and he has already moved to hospice. From back pain to hospice. Just like that.

He'll turn 55 next Friday.

And yet, his prayer is to remain pain-free and functional for as long as God allows and that in each day he has left he can continue a fruitful ministry. He doesn't fear death or mourn for anything he might lose from this life or resent the hand dealt to him. He just wants to share the love of God every day that he can with whatever energy he can muster. Wow.

I'm stunned. Stunned at the news. Stunned at his amazing spirit. Stunned by his pure intentions. He is as close to the model of Christ as anyone I've known. He absolutely exemplifies Paul who wrote "Imitate me as I imitate Christ."

All I can do is ponder in my stunned silence. I will pray for him. But moreover I will pray to be like him, to imitate him as he imitates Christ.