More From Geoffrey L. Snook

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.” — Luke 17:15 (NIV)

During cancer treatment, a friend from church came over to our home to visit with my wife and me and to offer a word of encouragement. She was a cancer survivor herself, and she knew what we were going through. She began to speak with absolute sincerity and a smile on her face, “The gift that cancer gives us...”  

I immediately began to tune her out. I knew how miserable I felt. I knew how angry I was. And how dare she smile!  

“The gift that cancer gives us,” she continued, “is the gift of today.”  

Later, I realized that she was absolutely right. During those long days of treatment, even though I was sick and tired, I felt like I was swimming in crystal-clear water, enveloped by prayer. So many people were praying for me and my family, sending cards, and bringing food. Every day was a gift.  

Today I am cancer free. Today I am healed, and every day I try to remember to come back to the One who healed me. I try to give thanks for the gift of this day. I know that there are many who are facing similar struggles. There are some who have lost the fight. But I also know that, as Christians, we all have today. As Christians, we also have forever. Tomorrow comes with no guarantee, but today is a gift.  

I think that is what our friend was saying to my wife and me that day; as Christians, we live with one foot planted in today — with all of its trials and with all of its beauty. And we also live with one foot firmly planted in the hope of an eternity where everything is made right and every tear is wiped away.  

It’s been two years since my last treatment. I’m still learning to live with the gift of cancer — the gift of today. 

Geoffrey has a personal blog that is based around the idea of Sabbath, less doing and more being. It can be found here.