God's Light Shining Through Us

   Forgive my absence this week, I have been helping my sister as she begins her treatment for lung cancer. There were many a morning I wished to log on and lose myself in blogland and recharge my batteries while visiting all of you. God  was calling me to be elsewhere and I have learned from experience that when God calls it's wise to answer. I have been preparing myself for weeks now to be my sister's support system while she fights this battle but I must confess that there are time's when I want to take my toys, go home and not play! While there has never been a question that I would accompany her for her treatments there were times when I simply didn't want play this hand we were being dealt. Unlike in poker, you can't simply fold and hope for better cards the next go around.
   After many doctor's appointments, going over treatment plans etc. my sister had her first round of chemotherapy on Friday. She was there for over six hours while toxic fluids made their way through her system. She of course has been insisting that I needn't be there or stay for the entire time but I couldn't imagine leaving her to face this alone. I picked her up early for her appointment and drove her even though she kept insisting she could drive herself. She could have, and since the effects would not materialize for a day or two she could indeed have driven herself home as well. I knew that my job was moral support, to distract her if needed and to simply sit with her so she would not feel alone.
   We actually had a nice day, which seems strange to say, but we spent those hours talking, reminiscing and laughing. Yes, even while the reality of why we were there could not be denied we laughed, often to the point of tears! We had a good day.
   There were many other patients coming and going throughout the day. I couldn't help but notice that only two had someone with them and those people sat out in the waiting room. Over the course of the day we spoke to the other patients and of course had some of them laughing along with us. We even got the nurses to laugh.  I think many might even have enjoyed themselves, even if for a short time. From outside the room it would have seemed that there was a party going on. There was that much silliness! At the end of the day I thanked the staff for inviting us to their little shindig and told them we had a blast. They may have thought I was crazy when I told them we looked forward to seing them all again.
   There are times when God calls us to act on his behalf, to allow his light to shine through us. I believe that's what took place in that chemotherapy room, God was using us to remind everyone that there is still cause for laughter, joy and love, even amidst the fear, pain and suffering. We never know when God is going to call us to light the way for someone else, to shine His light in their path. For some people you may be the only light of 'God' they encounter in their day. Are you ready to shine for Him???