No medical news to report. This is the waiting time. But I thought I would tell you about my experience so far. Not from the point of view of physical conditions and responses, but from the point of view of: "so, where is God in this?"
I often tell patients at the Hospital that I don't bring God into the room; rather, I find God waiting for us, in the room! And so, it is not surprising that I have not had to look very hard for the presence of a loving Creator in this experience I am going through.
I'll keep this short. It is late, and I am working tomorrow. But I need to share a thought that has captivated me since Sunday morning. One of the readings for the first Sunday of Lent was from Psalm 32. Keep in mind that the Psalms sometimes refer to conflicts between good and wicked people; between enemies out to get the Psalmist, and the hope for God's protection and care. I am not so much interested in the "wicked" in this reference, as I am in what comes after that phrase:
"Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD."
Funny, isn't it? It does NOT say that those who trust God will not suffer, but it says
that steadfast love surrounds them! They are not promised easy sailing; rather, they are assured that they are not alone.
I was bowled over when I heard that, because that is how I feel. I don't think I will look for a "lifetime warranty", life does not work like that, right? But I do heartily accept the promise that "steadfast love surrounds those who trust."
The past month has been a learning experience for me. I have not been shy about sharing what is happening in my life. My family and my friends, my colleagues at work, all know. That is why I wanted to share how this particular reading moved me. I hope you can read this and feel in your heart how I feel: totally surrounded by a mantle of love and care.
At this moment, that is all I ask for, and that is all I care for. This planetary pilgrim has learned (oh, maybe I knew it intellectually already) that she is not alone. That she is surrounded by a mantle of steadfast love. All I can say is: Thank you!
It is time I got going. We will see each other around, surely, on the Road to Santiago.
About Me
- Myrta Rivera
- After having had had surgery to remove a cancerous breast lump, and lymph nodes, I received chemotherapy and radiation as further treatment. Recently I have discovered that the cancer has metastasized to the bones. I am a grandmother of three wonderful kids. I love telling stories. Was born in Puerto Rico, and have lived in Canada for 43 years. I am the mother of two adult children. Speak English, Spanish and some Greek. Have managed a social service agency serving immigrants and refugees. Now work as a chaplain at a medium sized hospital in Southwestern Ontario.