Tuesdays with Larry: Memoirs of a Pallative Care Christian
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
by Lawrence (Larry) Sinclair
As I begin this section of my writing, the Christmas Season is well over, and so is my treatments for now. I must now begin the waiting game with my doctors. In not knowing whether the treatment worked or not, that is the hardest thing for me to deal with, because of the uncertainty I mentioned earlier in my writings.
My faith and determination must kick in even stronger now, but I know it can, I know my Lord and Saviour is going to see me through this ordeal, as He has done so far. I can remember my mother, my friends and other family members who put their trust in the Lord and relied on His strength to bring them through difficult situations and He did. I have so many examples to follow in my years here on earth, but the best example above all, is His Word and my interpretation of what is meant through His love for me and my trust in Him.
Although I have many reasons to question my Lord, as many of you do, I will not allow my faith to falter. I am looking forward to life’s challenges in 2010, as 2009 proved to be a bang up year for me , not with just finding out about my cancer, but also the death of my two wonderful companions (dogs): my 16 year old shih-tsu in October, and the loss of my 18 year old lhasa-apso on her birthday in early December. Then in mid December, I got word of my older brother in N.B. passing into the arms of Jesus, due to cancer, while his twin, (my other brother) also has cancer. In early January of 2009, I had to have surgery on both my hands from carpal tunnel, so I never really got back to work all that long before I found out about my own cancer. With my health issues comes financial issues as well and more uncertainty. Needless to say, I’ve had my share of challenges in 2009, but having faith in my Lord and the scriptures has made most of this all bearable.
After a brief hiatus, I’ve come back to my writing, as you all must have noticed, for which I apologize for, but with time and my actual word-flow I had difficulty staying on the project.
When I stop to realize the love of family and friends I can’t help but draw strength from them and know that I am not alone in this thing. I’m such a wealthy man when it comes to friends, coworkers, and neighbours who have been offering their love and support; they have given me so much hope and encouragement to carry on in faith. Now i’m going to pass on a few more thoughts and excerpts, and I hope it offers some of you out there the same comfort as it does me.
1. Controlling other peoples lives;
Is not a godly leaders’ trait;
But serving other people’s needs;
Is what the Lord considers great.
2. “Growing old is a blessing when you’re growing closer to God.”
3. My life will touch a dozen lives;
Before this day is done;
Leave countless marks for good or ill;
Before the setting sun.
4. PRAYER:
Lord, shape my life as only You can;
Guiding each day by Your loving plan;
Take what You need and give what You will;
My life is Yours to use and to fill.
5. Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
“Those who let God provide will always be satisfied.”
James 4:14 – You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
6. Redeem the time- God only knows;
How soon our little life may close;
As every passing moment flows-
Redeem the time.
7. Plan as though you’ll be living for a century; love as though you’ll be leaving today.
8. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll soon lose sight of your fears.
9. PRAYER:
Oh! that my life may useful be;
As I serve Jesus faithfully;
And may His love be seen in me;
This is my earnest prayer.
10. Although our outward shell decays;
We still can be renewed each day;
Commitment to God’s word and prayer;
Give strength that will not fade away.
11. I never walk alone; Christ walks beside me;
He is the dearest Friend I’ve ever known;
With such a Friend to comfort and guide me;
I never, no, I never walk alone.
12. An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind.
13. When our problems overwhelm us;
God wants us to look at Him;
He provides the right solutions;
Lighting paths that once were dim.
14. I have been through the valley of weeping;
The valley of sorrow and pain;
But the God of all comfort was with me;
At hand to uphold and sustain.
15. PRAYER:
Father, help me to live today;
With thoughtfulness in what I say;
Confronting wrong with truth and fact;
Expressing gentleness and tact.
In closing this section, I leave you with a few words of prayer that have touched my heart and make me feel better when I repeat them.
“Lord, help me rise up to the challenge You have set before me. Help me to become all that You have created me to be. And help me remember that You are my source in every situation–everything I could possibly need to walk in Your perfect will; for my life has already been provided. I rejoice in that, and I promise You that I will never take it for granted.”
“Thank you, Lord, that in Your immeasurable kindness, You called me to life—a life that is full and beautiful because You have revealed Your glory and goodness through Christ. Amen!”
