Friday, May 15, 2009

The ringing of the bell

Ding, ding, ding.

From off in the distance I hear the ringing of a small silver bell, rung by yet another cancer patient at Credit Valley Hospital who has successfully completed his/her chemotherapy program. I can’t see them from where I sit, but I can hear the bell and the cheer of the staff who have gathered to celebrate with the survivor.  The journey through chemotherapy is almost always a tough one.  The successful completion is an event worth celebrating.

For patients like me, however, each time I hear the pealing of the bell, that ring is a little painful.  It’s ever so slight but a part of me grieves at the sound of the bell. 

It’s because that bell will never ring for me.  No amount of chemo or any other treatment – medical, homeopathic or otherwise – will cure me of the type of cancer I have.  Only a touch from my Saviour will do that and for now His words to me are, “My grace is sufficient.”

Most days I am okay with that.  I know that God’s sustaining grace is truly as much a miraculous work as healing.  Maybe even more so.  Both are His workmanship and I do not presume to claim sovereignty above His by telling Him how He needs to do it.

But then the bell chimes again off in the distance as I receive my weekly blood transfusion. And I am a little sad.

But I am also reminded of that day when, I would like to think, I’ll hear another bell ring announcing that my treatment is completed at the hands of the Great Physician and I will walk out and into the real world of eternity.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

the more we look into His eyes, step into His footprints, talk to Him, listen to His voice, the more we get to know Him. the more we get to know Him, the more empowered we are. empowered to overcome obstacles, that kind of obstacles meant to harden our way to Him.

may the Lord bless you in your walk with Him and in Him and let you know Him even more, recognize His touch in each and every detail of this earthly life.
I also pray that God will continually be praised through your walk with Him!

Dawn Martinez said...

Hi, Glenn. Thanks for sharing your story with me. It was very touching. I appreciate the sacrifices you make for VOM. I know it can be hard, but stay encouraged. Jesus is the answer to everything! I will keep you in prayer....you have my word! Continue to be a light for Jesus and keep pressing on. You will see the fruit of your labor (that\\\'s from Jesus :0))

With love and appreciation,
Your sister, Dawn

Anonymous said...

I'm sure someone will have already mentioned this to you - in fact you may have seen it sometime ago - but I was encouraged to watch the "Death is not dying" presentation made by Rachel Barkey earlier this year - after she had been told she had weeks to live, her cancer having entered her bones, skull, organs etc.
She shares with you a testimony of glorifying God in the midst of your suffering.
Thank you for your honest sharing.