During my last visit to MD Anderson, I was told I must begin wearing a “medical alert bracelet.” When I first heard that, I can honestly say that I was less concerned with the condition that I have, which requires this bracelet, than I was with the fact that I’m not a “bracelet” kind of guy. I could have opted for a necklace, but I’d take my chances before I’d wear a necklace! While the doctor was telling me how I had to begin carrying a syringe with me wherever I go and giving me instructions on how to give myself a shot, my mind was still stuck on, “I have to wear a bracelet?”
So, here I am, with my “mark of Cain.” I suppose, in time, I’ll get used to the idea of wearing a bracelet (my apologies to all you bracelet-loving men). It’s just going to take me some time for the numbness to set in.
Okay, I’ll confess to exaggerating…a little, but there is one thing this bracelet does that I have found to be very helpful. Every day, it reminds me that I am mortal and my life is tenuous. This past Sunday, I learned just how important the message on my bracelet is when I suddenly became ill.
I think one of man’s greatest probelms is that he doesn’t feel mortal. He lives as though he is going to live forever. And in so doing, he mis-prioritizes his life. I wonder how many people die with great regrets brought on by thinking, “I have plenty of time?” Well, if there’s one thing this bracelet is good for, it serves as a daily reminder to me that I have a mortal body. So, each morning as I fumble with the latching mechanism on my bracelet, I can give thanks to God for this bracelet for making me more aware of my need to do and say what needs to be done and said today.
Your words always seem to help me in some way, either to heal my broken soul or to lift me up from worry. Having lost both my parents–one to cancer and the other to a long battle with dementia–two of my three brothers, one to an auto accident when he was 23 and the other in Oklahoma City, I do understand the importance of taking nothing for granted. Life is precious and the time we have on this Earth should be spent loving deeper, living better lives, caring more for our fellow man and praising God each and every day for all that we have. I am grateful to God each day for the life that I have. Thank you for all that you do each and every day in the name of God our Father.
Steve, God bless you in your daily walk. Your posts are so thought provoking to us “mortal” creatures.
I so enjoy your little updates. My mom has cancer and I forwarded this to her. It really encouraged me on my Christian walk and what’s really important. Thank you and your in my prayers everyday. I attend the North Charleston Church of Christ. I really enjoyed hearing you when you came and did a gospel meeting with us.
I enjoy your sermons wherever I can find them online.
Steve, I’m glad that you discerned the message of your bracelet and so we’re wearing it in your moment of crisis. I just said a prayer that the Lord will continue to sustain you and strengthen you in your suffering, and in your healing.
Great thoughts, Steve. God’s lessons are everpresent for those who seek Him. JB
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” ~ Dr. Seuss