no regrets

About a week ago I had a patient whose situation rocked me. For some reason I could easily put myself in his place. The whole night I kept thinking: If my life and his were switched, would I have regrets? I pondered this all night, and into the week.

I decided no, I wouldn’t have any regrets. Yet it was still something I needed to think about. And I never want to get out of that place of being aware. Sensitive to people. Being grateful in the day to day. Noticing the little things. Celebrating my health. Rejoicing in being alive. Only the Lord knows when things may change.

Sometimes I feel calloused in my job- or because of it. I think it is natural, but I don’t want to be hardened to the things that matter. Life is short. I want mine to count.

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion.”
Psalm 39:4-8

92 bananas

Our presenter at class tonight was awesome. She left us with a slideshow of quotes by people who have changed the world for Christ. They were missionaries. I haven't totally embraced the word for myself yet; but these words and their stories were enough to bring tears to my eyes.


"If this is war," the message said, "A woman is not likely to stop it."
Back went her reply,
"You think only of the woman.
You have forgotten the woman's God."
Mary Slessor, Nigeria, 1874-1915

"I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done in China...
it must have been a man.
Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing...
and God looked down and saw Gladys Aylward...
and God said, "Well, at least she's willing!"
Gladys Aylward, China, 1902-1970

"I can assure you that months and months
of heart-rending anguish are before you...
Yet, take the bitter cup with both hands.
You will learn a secret; that there is sweetness at the bottom."
Adoniram Judson, Burma, 1788-1826

0430 snapshot

Not EVERYONE sleeps during the night!