Day by Day!

I have a very close and dear friend who has been battling cancer for several years. It has been so tough and horrible all at the same time. She is amazing in her attitude. She is the type of person who is the very meaning of the word Love. She knows no strangers. She has touched many lives in her life on earth and many during her illness that only came to know her through her ordeal.

To know Jeri is to love her. She makes me want to be a better person.

We live an hour from each other and we keep in touch pretty much weekly by phone. We decided a long time ago…and we have known each other for 37 years, that we would never get mad at each other for not keeping in touch as well as we should. We both have had very full busy lives. We are both strong Christians and the hub of our friendship is Jesus. When we talk…His name always comes up. We love our friendship and we love each other more than words could ever express. Our friendship also includes our families and that makes the two of us family in my book.

I am battling asthma every day and when you are struggling every hour of every day with an illness…you learn that you MUST live day by day. I wouldn’t dare say that my struggle with asthma in any way compares to my friends struggle with cancer. But we do have some similarities that helps us comfort each other. We are able to encourage each other to keep living, and try to stay positive.

We have learned to appreciate the simple things in life…the simple things become little miracles in our daily lives. A sunrise or a sunset…no two are the same. But it can help you look up and not only see the Lord’s artistry…but possibly hear His encouraging words.

The beauty of spring flowers from the bulbs you planted in the Fall. Birds singing in a quiet moment. The sun shining on your face.

Telling the story of “Jack and the Beanstalk” to the child in your life and watching their eyes open wide…hanging on your every word. Eating a piece of pumpkin cake. An evening with dear friends. Inspirational music. A stranger paying for your coffee.

Hearing, ” I love you mom”. Having someone pray over you. Feeling the Lord’s presence that bursts into pure joy! Laughing so hard with a friend; that you have to stop…just to catch your breath.

A child’s hug. Butterfly kisses from that same child. Reading your favorite author or watching your favorite movies. Painting, writing a poem or a song. Being out in the garden. Getting an email from a close friend. Praying for people. Hearing a prayer has been answered.

The list could go on and on.

Living with a chronic illness, day by day…makes me appreciate those good moments and good days so much. I don’t take a day for granted. Rarely do I squander a day. I have learned that I need to depend on the Lord more than ever before. I am closer to Him than I was when I was well.

I have come to appreciate my lot in life. I have some bad days…but I don’t linger there long. I give myself some time to have a “pity party”, and then I focus on the positive again. I won’t waste time feeling sorry for myself. I have a legacy to create. I have experiences to savor. I have a life to live to the fullest. I have people to love and a Lord to follow.

So try to live hour by hour and day by day. Don’t rush your life or take it for granted. An illness should not be what makes you pause in wonder at the simple pleasures in life. Take it all in now!