Quiet Moments With God -- Courage

I'm still overwhelmed by what happened today and don't really know where to begin. I pray that I can communicate the exquisite experience in a way that helps you to taste its essence along with me.

I spent the afternoon at a "hat" party. I don't suppose that sounds spectacular at all, but this was a very special hat party. It was held for a dear friend of mine-- Deena. I'm several years older than Deena and I've known her since she was a young, young woman. Today, Deena is fighting cancer. Her sister decided to throw a party to encourage Deena and remind her how much she is loved. And there were beautiful hats and scarves too. Deena is rapidly losing her hair from chemo treatments.

It was a precious afternoon, one I will never forget. As with most parties there were decorations, food and cake and the room was filled with the chatter of friends and family. But there were also deep emotions roaming among us--love, joy, laughter, sorrow, fear, hope and courage. It was like being at a banquet where one was invited to feast on the best of life.

I suppose you might wonder how fear and sorrow can be the best. They provide a reflection--without them how would we ever recognize the rest of life's goodness. So . . . for me the time was rich with God's presence and His love.

I watched Deena, feeling such admiration for her. She most certainly must be afraid; she is human. Still, she looked lovely and strong. I could see weariness in her eyes (after all battling for one's life requires a great deal of energy). What stood out from the depths of her dark brown eyes and the set of her jaw was courage and determination.

The party closed with a hair cut. Deena decided to cut her gorgeous dark hair down to about an inch of length. There are practical reasons for this; it will be less to deal with as she loses it. But I believe it was also Deena's way of standing up to the cancer--to look at it straight on and say "I choose how I'm going to fight. I'll do it my way."

She plans to win. I'm cheering her on.

Life is finite, none of us will live on this earth forever. But while we are here how much better it is to find the strength inside and the courage to live full out. So ask yourself, "What is it you were called to be, or called to do, or called to love or . . ." There is so much to be done, so much to taste. Do it. Now. While you can.

Be courageous!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie