As a young mother, I belonged to a service organization which provided volunteers for local needs. I chose to assist at a nearby nursing home, where I met Mrs. Cotton. She was bedridden and had been for a number of years, crippled by a rare arthritis. I never visited her that she was not smiling and ready to chat, always sporting a bright red lipstick. (Probably Revlon’s “Love that red” that my mother wore for years!) Being from southern Alabama, she spoke with a soft cadence and delighted in sharing stories of her lifetime, which were both entertaining and an obvious contrast to the quiet life where she then existed. The gift of that picture struck me at that early age.... her situation did not dictate her embrace of life…..she greeted each day with its promised renewal and potential with a smile….even anticipation, and of course, her lipstick!
What produces a “good day?” Is it measured by the “goodness” of it, and what does that mean? All the reasons that make it so ……are they inward or outward? Right now, I find it challenging not to categorize the days of the weeks as good or bad, as they bring with them very differing characteristics. Post injection days continue to yield the side effects of varying degrees …fever, aches, headache and fatigue, with lingering results on other days. Yet, it is not how I want to color this time frame.......For the goodness of each day remains guaranteed, and the “cloudiness” that Interferon has introduced cannot diminish nor erase the blessings of each day, which are abundant. Although clouds might be covering the sunshine, the sun continues to shine brilliantly above them. In the same way, my own sight might miss this truth, yet God, through Whom all things are possible, adjusts my vision.
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The God that has created each day and furnishes it to us as a gift, equips us with the ability to rejoice and find the goodness in it…..supplying the faith to grasp it and live it. “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. “ (2 Cor 4:3-5) Each day is fresh with God’s promises and compassions……He has said He will not abandon His own, that nothing can separate us from His love, and He has provided a priceless inheritance that will never perish……The goodness of that saturates each 24 hours and labels it as GOOD, regardless of how I might be feeling. I might not always have my lipstick on, but I pray that each day I can rejoice in knowing that it is a “love that red” color of eternal promises, renewal……and GOODness.
I am so grateful for the prayers and kindnesses that are such a loving part of each day’s renewal!
Leslie, we think of you each and every day. Hope you can put your red lipstick on each day, too. You are an inspiration to all!
ReplyDeleteLove, Donna and Larry
Amazing writing, Leslie. You have encapsulated who our God is and how He works in each life, especially yours. Your testimony is uplifting, joyous and very much a "Love That Red" testimony. Thanks so much for your faith-example and for chronicling your challenging journey. We love you, and you are never out of our prayers. "The Girls" pray for you each time we gather for Bible Study here in Lake Toxaway. Jack and I pray for you around the table at every meal. You're even prayed for when we go out to eat! Add in all the rest of the folks praying for you and it's clear you're one very prayed-up lady! Keep writing, and we will keep reading and praying, knowing that our God is your Rock, firmly supporting you on solid ground.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, your posts are wonderfully written and treasured by me..... each and every one! Your faith is inspirational. We love you.
ReplyDeleteDawn