Scripture outlines the best way for people to live. Following God’s advice will guarantee a satisfying, productive life, but oh how difficult it can be to actually live that way.
In today’s journal entry, writing as a man who has a deadly cancer, Nelson tries to convince himself not to fear what hasn’t happened yet.
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June 17, 2022
“Been journaling a fair amount up here in Rochester [MN], our new home, since we arrived about a month ago. It’s been tough with all the pain and pain pills, to stay motivated to write and do academic stuff. Funny that the things you worry about seldom happen, and the ones you never think of, actually do.
Take my condition here. In years past I worried a fair amount about being gone from my extended family out in Hawaii or India or wherever I was traveling, and missing things, thinking that maybe someday I’d regret it.
I thought maybe one day, when Mom gets sick or dies, that I’d wish I had been around. But believing I was called to be where I was, combined with Mom’s blessing on it, justified staying the course.
Then all of a sudden one day, in the ER in Kona, I was told “Cancer” by the doc as I was admitted for a 5 day stint. We bailed on the islands in record-breaking fashion and started living here in an apartment and even inviting Mom to live with us, and she’s been our roommate ever since.
Now she and I are spending time together, not mission-out or anything. The only thing is: we are not here because she’s sick, but it’s me instead. What I feared didn’t happen, but something else did, something I never thought about that brought about the same result, and even quicker.
Got the news May 10th, were on a flight the 15th, landed in MN the 16th, moved into our apartment the 17th. I had a MN driver’s license the 18th.
I feared all my partying might catch up to my health, but the cancer I have isn’t connected with smoking or exposure to chemicals, they tell me.
Worry for tomorrow is always a threat and constant battle, but it’s usually so misdirected and incorrect.
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“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)