Saturday, February 24, 2007

February 23, 2007

Bright Spots

Read: Psalm 55:1-2,16-17,22

Throughout our time in the States for Aaron's treatment, we have had many amazing opportunities. We call them our bright spots.

One of those opportunities was when we were invited to be the guest speakers at the Ronald McDonald House Light the House Campaign Kick-off last November. The major donors/sponsors for the House are invited to this kick-off. We wrote our speech as a thank you to the people that donate time and money to the Ronald McDonald House. When Charlie made his request for devotions, I immediately thought of this speech and how it applies to everyone that has ever sent a card, called, prayed for or just did some small favor for some-one in need.

Imagine yourself on top of the world. Wonderful family, great job, caring friends, nice house, family vacations. For most of you, it is probably not too hard to imagine.

That is where we come from- the top of the world. We “have it all”. The family, the house, the friends, exciting vacations, and what a job! 18 months ago, my husband started the job of a lifetime- an international assignment in Seoul, South Korea. We all headed off to South Korea to join in on this once in a lifetime adventure. Our life there has been all that we expected.

Little did we know that something bigger than we could control was going to push us off the top of the world. On Sept 13, my son was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. In a matter of days we were forced to make a decision about where to have him treated. Madison became our choice, so we packed up a few belongings and headed back to the states leaving behind two of my sons.

The first few days here were a whirlwind of activities- doctor consults, medical procedures, visits from friends and family. Our first “home” was the hospital and a hotel room for a quick clothing change and a shower. Our sustenance was hospital food three meals a day.

Finally we took my sister-in-law’s advice and moved into the Ronald McDonald House. That is where we have been for the last 8 weeks. We had no idea when we moved in that we would be here this long. We had hoped to return to Korea for some of his 24 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

What a difference the house has made to us. Aaron is not inpatient at the hospital all of the time. He lives here at the house in between his treatments. The house has been like a home to us. - surrounded by caring people, close to the hospital, a kitchen that is always full of food, and the ability to talk to other families that are going through the same thing that we are going through.

At a time like this it has been a blessing to not have to worry about shopping for groceries or repairing a leaky toilet. It is an environment that cannot be duplicated anywhere.

On Tuesday, A friend of mine reminded me that God won’t give you more than you can handle. I don’t believe this anymore. I think that if he does give you more than you can handle, he gives you other things, timed just perfectly to help you overcome whatever adversity that he has given you. This house and the people in it are one of the gifts that God, with your help, has given us to help us through this time and to help us climb back to the top of the world when the time is right.

Treva Beckius

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