This year has been touch, difficult, and painful. The future is uncertain, clouded, and potentially tricky. The past is filled with a lingering touch that many are finding it hard to put behind them. There are many reasons to be discouraged. Your glass and mine is clearly less than full.
The scar on the right side of my head is not always visible to others. My hair covers the scar well. Yet, I always know it is there. The nerves are still finding their way back, so any touch is sensitive. My hearing is improving, yet the ever-present ring reminds me of what was. Surrounded by pain, chaos, and injustice, I have so much to be thankful for!
The reality of facing a prospect of a brain tumor came with the realization of what I had and have. While the present is uncertain, I know that I have family, friends, and the ability to act. I hold freedom. I am not alone. I am part of something bigger! I can make a difference.
There are many in my position. There are individuals close to my heart are struggling with the same reality. We are all in similar messes. Each is wondering if there will be even one that will come through this intact.
There is a universal call that comes from each heart, asking, pleading for help. We share much in our cry. We hope to be accepted, to know that we belong. We long for assurance, a sense of peace that comes with hope. We want to believe that light will follow the darkness we are in.
In times past, others have faced challenges equally as great. In response to one, “the disciples decided that each of them would send whatever they could to their fellow Christians in Judea to help out. They sent Barnabas and Saul to deliver the collection to the leaders in Jerusalem.” (Acts 11.29, 30) There was hope in their response. Their touch was tangible.
We have much. We can give. We can make a difference in the lives around us.
