Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

 

Since I last addressed you, life has been very tense. My mother has been hospitalized twice with multiple heart attacks. She is getting stronger each day. At 87, we know that each day is a gift from God. While Mom lay in the hospital bed, suffering yet another attack and fighting for every breath, one floor down another loved one also fought for his life. My great-nephew Kyle went to be with the Lord on May 3. He was only three years old. His death was very tragic and unexpected. And now as I write this I am preparing to attend visitation for my sister-in-law who also died too young. She has battled cancer most of the last year and has been near death several times.

 

Amidst all these life-battles, my personal life has faced many changes and challenges as well. I moved to the Chicago area to live with my daughter.  Leaving my friends, my home and my family is very difficult.  But I have often said that life doesn't always go the way you plan...

 

As my life takes a new turn in the road I have to face the challenges and look to the future, not the past. I have to look at this experience and observe what I have learned. I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts. I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for a life. I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do. I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important, it's what they do about it. I will go forward and I will make the most of each and every day.

 

I have also learned that God's existence will be revealed to those around me through my actions. A person who does not know God (or does not allow God to work in their life) can see the impact of the moving Spirit of God in our personal lives. Many people come to know God do so because of the actions of a believer.

 

I pray that my life will always reflect God, that those around me may see Him through me. You will always be in my heart!

May  1998