At the time of this writing, it’s a new season! The start of a new month! We can actually let fresh air in and cool down the house. It’s a great time to start something new like this blog. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m taking that step of faith forward to see where God takes this blogging journey.

 I started writing about the events that have happened this year, but then I was led to write something different. So that could be why Scott said it needed more focus. Hopefully, this version doesn’t jump around too much.

 Going through medical adversity changes a person. No, I didn’t go through a medical adversity, but my husband, Scott, was diagnosed with cancer last year around this time. I believe God used this adversity to make us more like Jesus. Scott had to face his fear of mortality and look at how he was going to live with the time he had. There were a lot of personal and spiritual growth, but I would like to mention just four of the changes that were made.

 The first change was in his priorities. His coaching business was a high priority, but after his cancer diagnosis, he couldn’t see himself going back to it. He still wanted to serve others, but he wanted this cancer experience to have a purpose. He didn’t want to waste the cancer by doing the same work he did before the diagnosis. So that is how the Arise2Live movement came about. He created a website to assist people to discover and live survivorship with medical adversity.

 The second change was in his responsibilities. When we became parents, we thought it was time to have a will, but we never got around to it. After recovering from the cancer surgery, Scott made sure we got our last will and testament in order.

 The third change was in his routines. Scott found that a high protein diet helps with recovery from radiation therapy. He would have a protein drink in the morning with his breakfast and then another protein drink in the evening after dinner as his dessert. Having this routine helped him feel like he was doing his part of the cancer treatment.

 The fourth change was in his mindset. I always thought Scott had a deep and close relationship with God. He says that this cancer journey has brought him even deeper and closer to his creator. We both learned about different levels of prayers. 

 As Scott’s wife, I am now also his caregiver. My priorities and responsibilities changed to Scott at the top and being there for him. My routine centered around Scott instead of just myself. The Holy Spirit helped me serve Scott without complaining or having it feel like a burden. 

 In 2014, Scott had a torn retina. I was not a good caregiver back then. Our kids distracted me from being there for Scott. I was not patient or always kind during his recovery. 

 Before Scott was diagnosed with cancer, he broke his foot. I was a better caregiver at that time. It was good practice for me, so that during the cancer treatment, I was kinder and more patient with Scott. There are days when I could be more patient and kind, but compared to before cancer, those days are fewer now. God is still patiently working on us to be more like Jesus.

 Prayer 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being with us during our adversity. Help us to serve and love like you do. Thank you for working all things for our good. Remind us that You are for us, not against us. You are a good God. Give us courage and strength to partner with You in Your plan for us instead of working against You.

In Your Son’s name, Amen.

Verses 

Matthew 20:28
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Romans 8:28

Song 

“For The One” by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson

Call to action 

If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then think of someone God has put in your life and then think of whether your priorities, responsibilities, routines, and mindset need changing. Don’t wait until a medical adversity forces you to make changes.