Greetings from Sheri, David, and Summer, the Donaldsons of Evanston and Decatur.
This year, like every year, has been filled with all type of change—whether it was Sheri’s layoff from the Media Management Center this past Spring, Summer’s cataract surgery in the Summer (ha ha!), or David’s lung surgery in the Fall. While these may sound like setbacks, here’s what they really have been:
• Dave is again cancer-free (the spot in question was a metastasis, not a primary tumor—and those of you who know about cancer know that this is really good news);
• Summer has healed well (when given her choice of toys at her Auntie Gloria’s house, she prefers the pink ball!);
• and Sheri is enjoying her newfound free time, meeting interesting people while interviewing for new positions, and marveling at the way God has provided for the family on one salary plus unemployment plus savings...whenever there has been a need, it’s been filled. Every – single – time. Wouldn’t believe it if we hadn’t experienced it.
A group that Dave facilitates in a retirement hotel here in town is called “Changes in Life – Sometimes Good, Sometimes Bad.” The members of this group have reflected on their lives, and their reflections bring two universal truths to mind:
1. The first universal truth is impermanence and uncertainty. Before he was leader of the free world, King David was a fugitive. While on the run, he confided to his best friend, “There is only a step between me and death." 1 Samuel 20:3B He didn’t forget this. At the end of his life, he prayed, “Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” 1 Chronicles 29:15
2. If we want life to be permanent and certain, we become attached, we are disappointed, and we suffer. Paul gives us hope if we can look past the pain—(“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18) but what if we just can’t?
Fortunately, we have tools to help us. Each brought to us by the greatest teachers in the Bible.
1. Non- Resistance—From the ultimate Teacher, Jesus: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39
2. Non- Judgment—Again, Jesus: "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7
3. Non- Attachment—The wise king, Solomon: "’Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Everything is meaningless!’ Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.” Ecclesiastes 12:8-10
Eckhart Tolle in his book A New Earth talks about them as well.
1. Non- Resistance—“Is that so?” (You’ll have to read the book
2. Non- Judgment—“You never know” to get the full meaning behind
3. Non- Attachment—“This too shall pass” each of these slogans.)
Enjoy the holidays!
