Thanks Works

"Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus."

My mother had just undergone cancer surgery. I really wanted to go but because of my other commitments, I couldn't. It was tearing my heart. I understood the situation but still, it was painful not to be there for the people I love especially since it was only Mama and Papa there. (I only have one brother and he lives outside the country). My spiritual adviser said I should rejoice in the Lord, as Scripture said. And so I said the thanksgiving litany. All the things that would not normally make one thankful, I recited them. "Thank You that I'm not able to see them. Thank You that my mother would probably think I don't care. Thank You that my brother would probably get so angry...."

I was finally able to see her two days later. She wasn't too happy about it either. "You don't seem to have a mother anymore. Other people care more than you." The day came out surprisingly well, inspite of that. In my ten years of fulltime ministry work, it hasn't been easy for my traditionally religious mother to accept that I'm a different religious dog. She couldn't seem to understand what kind of breed I am. (hehehe)

At the end of the day, my aunt comes to the hospital and tells mother what chemotheraphy implies. You lose your hair, you'll be very weak after. It's super painful. And then, my aunt says, "You can choose to have chemo, or just choose to have prayers." My mother says, "I don't want chemo." "Good thing you have a daughter like her!" all the guests in the room exclaims. She turns to me and says, "You pray so I don't need to have chemo, okay?" It wasn't too difficult to tell them I don't know when I'll see them again after.

Obedience and thanksgiving works. Makes me think, "Maybe I could pray something else too...'Thank You, Jesus, that I don't have a husband yet. Thank You, Jesus, that a lot of people are pushing me to get married already. Thank You Jesus...'" (hahaha)