The “C” Word

It was an appointment that had been made out of humoring others. I am not a fan of going to the doctor and especially the idea of any kind of surgery. The doctor immediately agreed it was good that the appointment had been made and kept, which resulted in a biopsy with an outcome labeled “severe.” Because of the prognosis, I had surgery for melanoma on my back this past week. The doctor was able to achieve margins through this procedure and now we move on.

For years I have prayed and visited others through a crisis that occurred as a result of the dreaded “C” word. Now it has entered my family beyond a parent or grandparent but this time it involved me. The confrontation that I experienced with this word was a reminder nothing is promised beyond today. I enjoy my sleep and have never been a morning person, but I’ve realized that each time I hit snooze another 8 plus minutes of productivity has been lost. I have been reminded that if my journey in this life ended today, what legacy would be left of my marriage, parenting, ministry, or my personal walk with Christ?

Now that the “C” word has entered into my home, it has caused me to evaluate my journey in light of Matthew 6:25-34. “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

What are we living for each day? Are we living to make it through just to earn enough money to pay the bills? Do we start each day frantically running like on a hamster wheel?

Later in the passage Matthew records a solution that I have come to rest in: seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I pray that as you encounter the trials of daily life, you will find peace in the words of Jesus to cure anxiety, even if it involves the “C” word.