Here We Are Today

I can remember my life three years ago today. I was a summer intern in the exact city and country I am in now, just staying with my summer coach, Beth, and her family for 10 weeks while I simply got a taste of what this whole "living outside of the U.S. and studying another culture for higher purposes" was all about. Three years ago today was a rare day, I've written about it before, the news came that Beth had been diagnosed with cancer.

I remember how unimportant I felt to this family in such an intimate moment. I had spent less than a month in that house, only a couple of weeks had I known them. But a funny thing happened, and it really shouldn't be so funny, it should be common and yet still awe-inspiring;

God used this situation.

As an intern I saw firsthand how to deal with tragedy so far away from all of the family members that you want surrounding you. I learned, and even now it seems, that when the heavy moments stop for a while, you laugh. He showed me that you can make family in another culture who will be with you and support you through the small celebrations and in the moments that seem like defeat. He even used me in the healing process (so I'm told by Beth). Most importantly he showed me that his strength is unending and he will give it to us if we truly believe that he will. 

Today, I call it "No Cancer Day" or more poetically "The Day the Nugget Sought Defeat" and today we will celebrate it! I'm so glad I am able to celebrate this with Beth today. It's good to celebrate a life sustained for the goodness of the Lord's work, a love not lost on this earth, and the perseverance of a great friend. 

Three years ago today I didn't fully see my purpose, now through the circumstances that have been over the past three years I see myself more clearly. It's moments like today that we celebrate God's goodness and his strength. We are all so blessed by our Father every single day, blessings rain on us and ironically...it's a little rainy today. Happy No Cancer Day, Beth!

All to God