Just
before Christmas one year, a friend was diagnosed with leukemia and was told
she must begin chemotherapy immediately. Just a few weeks earlier, Kim had told
friends how blessed and content she felt with a loving family, a comfortable
home, and a new grandson. As she entered the hospital, Kim asked Jesus to make
His presence known to her and to stay close.
The next
7 months of treatments followed by recovery in partial isolation became a
season she calls “forced leisure.” She says she learned how to slow down,
reflect quietly, and rest in God’s goodness, love, and perfect plan—regardless
of whether or not she would be healed.
One of
God’s promises to His people Israel became personal to Kim: “The Lord your God
. . . will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with
His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph. 3:17).
Kim is in
remission after a journey she says changed her life for the better. Now back in
her busy routine, she often pauses to recapture the lessons of “forced
leisure.”
How
important that we—in good times or times of challenge—draw near to God’s loving
heart to hear His voice and place our lives in His hands.
People
are at the heart of God’s heart. (RBC)
