Monday, August 14

I just dropped John off...

...at the bustop. It will take him an hour and a half to get to work, but he's got his Ipod and a book and is excited to not be driving. If all this works out, we'll get him a cheap bike (with all the money we won't spend on gas, hallelujah!).

I'm going back to bed. Later, I have to run by the store to pick up more coffee. Today is not a good day to be out of that sweet goodness.

Snooze time...

Tuesday, August 1

Another year of camp has passed...

...and I'm utterly convinced that I will work for the Bridewell Foundation and Camp Esperanza for the rest of my earthly life.

I could tell stories. Amazing stories. One question that hit me this week was why is the population of young cancer patients riddled with low income and broken families? Not only is my life considered slightly unique in that I've overcome childhood cancer, but I seem to be within a small group of those who've thrived in a healthy family with moderate income. Talk about heart-breaking. When you know a 6 year old who had his leg amputated at the hip just 3 weeks prior and hates to complain should he trouble his elderly grandparents who took in him, his three siblings and 5 cousins...well, you begin to grasp the phrase, "it puts life into perspective".

Something else I learned this week is that LOVE is more powerful than we could ever fully comprehend. Even meager human love. Despite our failings, God offers us the opportunity to show love to others and to know, even in just little ways, how effective that love can be. Lives are changed. Radically.

I can't help thinking about the various events that have gone on for my family this summer: Steve and Mish loved on the unsaved in Holland. Becca loved on some junior high punks in East Texas. Mom and Dad are loving on their lost family members in the Northeast. John is loving on our friends as they embark to full-time missions overseas.

God has given us much. Sometimes we forget how natural and fulfilling it is to pass our bounty on to others. If I could boil my life down to a single goal, I would hope to be a generous person. Because I have been blessed with more than my share.

Praise to God.

And as a sidenote, I may soon be in the business of seeking donations for Camp's various needs. If you are someone, or know someone, or know someone who knows someone who likes to give of time, money, or goods...I'm in the market for some generosity of any nature.

I hope that my life reflects my love for YOU.