Lessons from having Cancer

I've always believed that every experience in life gives us an opportunity to learn and grow- even cancer? Yes.  At least, I'm learning a lot from it. 

My learning began when I was told that I would have, at the most, four more months to live. At that moment what is most important to me came into clear focus - my family. My heart yearned to be with my husband and to be a part of my grandchildren's lives as they grow up. Tears flowed, and my life has changed. I am spending more time on what matters most to me and less time on doing things that matter little. I am trying to share my talents more and quit wasting time doing "expected" things which stress me. I am making more of an effort to express gratitude to my husband for all he is doing each day to care for me, and I'm "putting myself out there" by making more effort to communicate better with him.  

My doctor presented me with another opportunity to grow. There was a decision I had to make. Was I willing to die in a few months, or did I have the courage and strength to go through many months of chemo treatments and surgery which might give me the possibility of healing? With my long history of health problems and allergic reactions, it was not very hopeful that I could complete this painful and demanding program. This is where my growth really began. I knew that the only way I would be able to complete the treatments would be with the Lord's help. I needed to have more faith in Him.

I'm trying to focus more on my eternal goals, do the things that I know are right, not waste my time and energy, consistently provide moments to nurture a better relationship with God (mainly study and pray more), avoid unnecessary stress, and let emotional "clutter" go. I'm trying to quit letting little things and past hurts upset me so I can have greater peace. I have to quit neglecting caring for myself because "someone needs me". If I am to make it, I have to change my life.  It has become clear that living a longer life is in my power, but only if I am willing to allow the Lord to help me change. 

Having cancer is helping me focus more on my family, is deepening the love between my husband and me, and is helping me use my time and energies in a way that makes me feel happier.  Am I saying that we should all seek out the most difficult experiences? Not me! I like the easy life, but I am smart enough to take an opportunity to grow when it is given to me.