Saw our consultant oncologist on Wednesday, where she repeated her offer of extra aggressive treatment, high on side effects, but probably low on benefits. She backed our decision to decline. As I said to her, the prospect of heaven was more appealing than even one of my more agreeable days here on planet earth.Her comment, 'You're very brave'.
Am I? I don't think so.Bravery would be making such a decision without knowing one's destination. For the Christian, my status for the last 46 years, Heaven is the reality that Jesus spoke of "There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you?"
As St Paul said elsewhere 'If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. The Christian life is an exchange. I surrender control of my life to Jesus and in return receive His eternal life...that speaks of quality of life down here and continuance of life in the here after. So death is but a station on the time-space continuum.
My attitude to death is not the product of positive thinking, or the outworking of 'que sera, sera'. It is deeply rooted in the certainty and hope that comes through knowing Jesus as friend and Lord.
The important message in all of this...DO NOT ENTER THE BOX UNLESS YOUR EXIT IS CLEAR
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We love you Dad, and are so blessed and proud to have you as our earthly father, what an example to us all you are. cant wait to see you next week! love RM&A
ReplyDeleteI think I can safely speak for my hubby when I say whole heartedly, "we agree" with the above. We love you and Mum loads and have deep respect for the way in which you are walking this path. Looking forward to seeing you at Christmas,
ReplyDeleteLove Ruth, and Peter.xxx
Dave and Elaine, you ARE brave. It is brave to think straight and talk real, and face into the wind. And such courage always brings blessing to your fellow travellers.
ReplyDeleteMay faith, love and courage be in ample supply, day by day, for you both.
With love from us,
Mary and Jon.
Dear Dave and Elaine, just to say - you are an inspiration; and this coming sunday, will be an inspiration to Frontline church as we quote this blog entry. Jenny and I (at separate services) will be talking aboaut the hope of heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord bless you and keep you, the lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace
Nic and Jen
Wow Dave & Elaine, you are a real inspiration, You've both shown me real examples of faith & love in the time ive known you & i really really thank you for that. You are both a real example of Jesus & I just pray the lord continues to give you peace & blessings more & more each day. Love you both loads Sarah xx
ReplyDeleteCatching up with your blog today, after a long break and the prompting of two friends receiving their diagnosis of cancers. You are an inspiration, always have been and always will. This entry if you dont mind will be my inspiration for todays talk at Girl Brigade. Our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteWith Love Joanne (and Neil and the girls in their absence)