Tom here!
This morning I was sitting on our porch about 6:30am and began to reflect on the past few months. What a ride! It has been almost 4 months since we entered into the world of cancer. 4 months doesn’t seem like a long time, but these 4 have been long and draining.
As I mentioned I began to reflect this morning on the things that God has allowed me to learn these last 4 months. I thought of Dr. James Casset, Amy’s surgeon. While Amy was still in the hospital recovering from the surgery that removed the mass, I asked Dr. Casset what was the next step. He couldn’t tell me because he didn’t know. The test results were not in, but I wanted answers. He assured me that the ball would not be dropped!
I was exposed that day to a principle from the Bible–wait on God. Isaiah 40:31 is a verse of Scripture that helped me to recognize why we should wait or hope in God.
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
For the longest time I looked at this verse and desired to soar on wings like eagles. I even have a beautiful picture in my office with a eagle and this verse. But over the past months I have needed my strength renewed time and time again. Not to soar, but just to walk and not be faint.
As I look back to that conversation with Dr. Casset, I am so grateful to him for the answer he gave. He told me the truth, he didn’t know. That answer was just one of many answers to questions that I posed to Doctors, friends and medical websites, but it was the answer that pushed me to chase after the One who knows the next step. Dr. Casset, thank you for doing your job–you’re a great surgeon–and thanks for giving me the truth that afternoon. God, thank you for providing and renewing our strength during this time of our lives.
Next week Amy and I have the opportunity to take 32 students to Super Summer at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. We are looking forward to spending time with each other, our students, adult leaders and God, do more reflecting and growing.
Once again, thank you for all of the support and encouragement. Amy and I are much stronger people because of this season of life! Don’t get me wrong, we still have a long way to go, but we’re going!
Good luck this week at super summer, it is going to be an exhausting week. You are very luck to have the ability to go spend this time with these children and to watch them grow. As much as I am sad to see Samantha go away for a week, I am comforted in knowing that it is people like you and Amy that are there to support her in her Christian walk. God bless you both.
Donielle
I am so glad that Amy is was able to go this week. As I am writing this I know you are gone. But pretty sure you took the ole trusty laptop with you. So tell mom I am sure gonna miss her. And I hope AMY that you take time for yourself and to enjoy your self because you are in the next season of your life and can only go up from here. What a testimony you have to share with those around you. Have fun!
That is a pretty darn good article, Mr. Denton!! It’s from your heart. Better watch out or LifeWay will be calling on you!! I don’t know you and Amy that well but what I have observed is God’s quality. My prayers have been, and will continue to be, with you, Amy and your family as you journey on…or should I say Soar On!
Roger
Amy, a belated “horrah” for getting through treatment! I can’t imagine how difficult it was with kids and a husband to think about as well. But, you made it kiddo! Hope you had time to rest a little on the Super Summer trip. Take care of yourself! I can say at this point, that I’m actually stronger than I was before treatment, but it has taken some time.
mj