There is a video buzzing around on Facebook of students singing a song to their teacher who has cancer and part of the words are I’m gonna love you through it. At the end of the song she gives credit to being part of a wonderful school community that will help her through.

Visiting with out-of-town guests today, I mentioned that I had had an amazing local church community, in particular the group of Spiritual Directors who I met with weekly as we conducted the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, though in general all my church friends were fabulous. supporting me through these past seven months of my illness, surgery, and recovery. As I have written prior to this post, I have been incredibly blessed by a world-wide support group who have prayed me through it. When I listened to this song this evening, I realized anew that love poured out from around the globe. I was very much loved through the diagnosis of cancer and beyond. All those who waited in anticipation with me and who celebrated the news that the nodes and margins were clear have held me as a beloved member of their communities and lives. It has been an awe-filled time.

To be on the other side of the diagnosis and now being cancer-free, I still feel that love. I struggle to believe that I am worthy of it on some level and yet I know that it is a reflection of God’s love–undeserving, freely given, and always there. I have also mentioned before that I have sensed a mantle around me, protecting me. I suspect that parts of that cloak were hand sewn by family and friends who desired me to be well. I look ahead and wonder what now. Where does God want me to be Light and shine brightly? The answer will come in time but perhaps now it is just enough to rest in the joy of those who have loved me through thus far.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Who has loved you through a challenging time?
Are you aware of the connections you build as you go through life?

Prayer

Gentle God,
You build beyond our eyesight
creating bonds of beauty
in relationships that endure
We do not always see these
until some event requires us
to take stock of our lives
and see who has been there
loving us through it so
we can stand strong again.
May we recognize You in
these moments and give thanks.

Amen.