Do what it says
Thank you for praying, and loving us so well!
When people post signs they expect the reader to “do what it says.” So Ive been told. I have always liked exploring and many times over the years, I have come across posted signs of private property, or do not enter, and treated them like invitations to, not do what it says. With the exception of the ones that say trespassers will be shot. That seems very clear. Whether I was hunting, hiking, or just snooping around, I guess I felt some kind of entitlement to go on in. To my shame I have led my family and friends out of bounds on many occasions. I can hear myself telling Jeanne when she pointed out the private property, or do not enter signs, something like honey, they don’t really mean that, we’re not going to bother anyone. The rebellious part of me drove her crazy sometimes, but eventually, she would just follow me, trusting that her man wouldn’t lead her into harms way. I miss having her so lovingly trust me, even when my choices were, um, questionable at best.
A friend and I had coffee this morning and we talked about the importance of teaching people to read their Bibles. He reminded me of the equally important step of not just reading, but actually applying what we read, or “do what it says.” An entirely different approach than my propensity to ignore signs. God loves us and wants the very best for us at all times and I believe the Bible is our instruction for life. Jeanne and I were both taught early on in our walk with the Lord to read the Bible with the intention of applying what we read. Sometimes with trepidation, but always with intentions of “do what it says.” Clearly explained below:
”But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.“
James 1:22-25 NLT
I’m thankful to have had a good interaction with my oncologist last week. Especially the lively spiritual conversation we shared. Yet, from what we can tell from science, the signs are pretty clear. I have inoperable colorectal cancer that has metastasized to other areas of my body. It is very slow growing. In one more week I will have been taking a maintenance chemo to hold the cancer at bay for 4 months. I don’t like it, but I never learned to like my Mom’s goulash either and I am not a picky eater. The side effects have been nominal but I’m almost always tired, so I asked for a pause. I have one more week to go until I’ve been given permission to take a break. In some ways it feels like slipping past a no trespass sign. My cancer team will be closely monitoring my every move and I’m sure they will remind me to pay attention to the signs. I have a PET scan and blood work scheduled for the end of May, so it seems as though I’m on a pretty short leash.
I trust Jesus and plan to follow wherever I’m led. Here’s my plan. With God’s grace I will strive to go to the Bible every day with the intent to “do what it says.” Holding close to the promise, “God will bless you for doing it.”
With all our love! Mac (aka Steve) and family.
