A Cancer Survivor’s Calling
“I know what my calling is,” Brenda said. She is a cancer survivor, alive today, she told me, because three women had carried her on their prayers from fear and death to healing and life. She went on . . .
I’ll give you an example.
I went for a scan, and I’m so anxious. They tell you to take off your top and ‘put on one of these gowns.’ I sit in this room with four other women, and it’s quiet. We’re all nervous. Then I look across the room and I see a woman with her head in her hands, shaking. I look at the other women, but no one is moving.
So I get up, go across the room and I sit down next to her. I say, “Are you all right?” She shakes her head slightly. She is crying.
So I say, “Would you like a hug?” And mind you, I don’t know this woman from Adam. She nods, so I put my arms around her and just hold her for a time.
Then I showed her the picture of my son that I carry with me for strength and courage. And I showed her my 500 dollar winning lottery ticket that I carry for good luck and she laughed. Just—you know—to take her mind off it.
Three women did that for me, and I look for people that I can help. That’s my calling.
God is in the simple kind word, gesture, and smile. Something we can all do.
Most of us don’t have a calling because we think it has to be big–save the planet, be Mother Theresa–but it’s our small calling that might lead to a big one. Just this morning I watched a video about a man who has saved a patch of earth, one tree at a time. For anyone who cares to watch, here’s the link http://www.upworthy.com/it-seems-like-it-cant-work-but-then-the-camera-pulls-back-and-damn-there-it-is?c=hpstream
My calling is to read your writing and smile and shake my head a little. That’s it. That’s my calling. Sometimes I’ll add a whoa. Like today.
Well, even though I know you have other, multiple callings, that’s nice to hear.
David, I love this! Thanks. I totally believe every word of it. Prayer is the answer to our “problems.” If we will only listen to the still, small voice that comes afterward with our answer.
Peace. Shalom.
Barbara
Yes. So true. I am reading a book called “Ordinary,” and the premise of the book is that faithfulness in small things, everyday things, has been lost in our zeal to do great things. My challenge is to remember that God is great, Christ is extraordinary, and the Gospel is fabulous news, so I am free to be ordinary–just living a quiet life ministering to those around me. God calls some to great exploits, but as Pam said, we should not miss our calling in everyday life because we are too busy looking for that exciting assignment.
Actually, David, as I began “Ordinary,” my first thought was, “David could have written this book. This is what he would say!” Good article. Like Michael, I am happy to be called to read your writings!
Looks like inspiration from both of the Anderson’s today (like Pam’s response, too!). Reminds us that no calling is too small.Thanks for sharing.
I think you wrote this for me, David. And I loved everyone’s responses as well. Today I’ll hug a little more and a little longer as well.