“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared
humanity."
~ Henri Nouwen
Like young children, let's live this day with openness...ready for discoveries and life experiences of every kind.
During the past few months, I have been surprised at how I sometimes feel about the "surprise" of breast cancer and all that has been, and continues to be, a part of it, including the slow recovery
process.
I don't always experience it this way, but fairly often I think something along the lines of: "Hmm, isn't this an interesting experience. Hmm, in my life I got to experience breast cancer."
I don't yet accept every life challenge this way.
I don't always experience this one this way.*
But somehow
- with the gift of grace - I have at times seen this like a thread in the whole tapestry of my life. Or a piece in the whole puzzle. It's neither good nor bad.
Wouldn't it be nice to hold the perspective that Henri Nouwen describes daily?
May we not be afraid. May we be brave.
With love, hope, and wonderment, let's welcome this day and all that it brings with readiness
and gratitude.
And let's celebrate our shared humanity.
With compassion,
Charlene
PS - I must admit to you that I sometimes fret, fight, and feel frustrated with the slowness of this particular healing process and the required waiting to do many things. For example, swimming, tennis,
golf...the refraining time is about 12 months after surgery. And I sometimes miss the body I had before surgery. I am grateful that I am getting better day by day.
PPS - I thank you again for your prayers and kind caring.
PPPS - Please join me in sending a wave of love out among us all.
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COMPASSION. May
you be gentle with yourself and others...
(from The Twelve Gifts of Birth)
