Five years ago yesterday I went to an appointment to get what I thought would be nasal spray for congestion. Instead I walked away from that appointment having learned that I had a malignant tumor in my nasal cavity that was growing into my palate.

As I reflect on that day and all the unknowns that came with it, I recognize how paralyzed with fear I was, understandably so.

Yet what also came from that day was clarity of who and what matters most in life; my faith, family, friends, community and choosing to love above one’s circumstances.

I wish I could say that clarity has remained with me since then but admittedly my sight grows cloudy at times as the mundane fights to hold my attention.

This week I am drawing close to this memory to help me remember that tomorrow is never promised and to unwrap the gift of each day.

If you too have found yourself in challenging circumstances and/or having clouded vision of who and what matters most, I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May we recognize that each day is a gift. May we take time to pause and give thanks for this day we have been given. May we pray we don’t take this day, or any day, for granted. Only God knows what tomorrow brings, so may we not fear tomorrow but choose to walk in faith instead. Fear holds us back from living where faith gives us the freedom to live as we trust -not in our circumstances - but in God who is above them, and beside us through them.

And like I had to learn to do five years ago, may we let go and trust God with our lives. It is in His presence where we will be richly supplied with what we need, no matter what the day brings. And He will help renew our sight so we will see each day the gift it is and who and what matters most, whether we are walking through a mundane day or fighting the toughest battle of our life.

With love and hope,

Shawn

Teach me to number my days so I may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12