Prayerful Questions

Everyday is unpredictable. That is a given, whether cancer exists or not. Life and its lessons are plain and simple...unpredictable. Hey! we never do know what is going to happen between waking and crawling back into bed at night. I know in my best day, I might have everything planned out, feeling carefree and in control of what needs to be done. But it never quite plays out exactly how I thought it would.

When I wake in the morning, I challenge my good Lord with two prayerful questions. (1) Who are we going to make a difference to today? and (2) What surprises will you arrange for me as I trudge through the routines of living? Hopefully, with Your love and guidance, I can handle them. Those questions quite honestly are anchored in my belief that God and I are walking together through the day, ready to tackle any of the obstacles or joys in the day's path. 

Each time I interact through love with someone, who knows? It could be a phone call or a note or a direct conversation. Maybe - just maybe - my positive thoughts are helping the recipient experience my caring about them. It's a mystery to me. I do know that those interactions always give me a hopeful boost that something positive is happening because we connected in a meaningful way. 

Then there is this question #2 about the surprises that God hands me as I go through my routines, no matter whether they have to do with cancer or not. There's the day I was feeling very down and discouraged. I came into the quilt shop after teaching a morning class and there in front of me were three of my block of the month quilting group ready to enfold me in giggles and hugs. I felt so blessed that day, and was immensely thankful that this surprise happened. I do believe God brought us together, knowing full well that I needed cheerful conversation. 

The very same day I received a phone call from another sewing friend that lasted for over an hour. And after that call, I was laughing and joking with my husband in a way I had missed since my diagnosis. Thank you, my friend. 

My sisters connected with me. My boys sent me flowers and then called to chat.  The day was filled with unexpected surprises and when I crawled into our flannel sheets that evening, I was beyond grateful that God had answered my morning prayer questions. Cancer or not, I realized I could find peace and strength and courage and about burst with the love that surrounds me because our lives intertwine - yours and mine - and you make a positive difference to me. 

Affectionately, the quilting cancer girl