I never thought that one of my favorite children's songs, that we still listen to with our grandkids, would be so relevant to me today
"Psalty the Singing Songbook" is taking some kids on a camping trip which involves hiking to the top of a mountain to get to their camping spot
If you've ever taken young children on a hike up a mountain, you understand:)
Are we ever going to get there?
Why did we come on this hike?
Can we go back down?
Kind of sounds like what can go through my mind every day as I contemplate the mountain called My Cancer Journey and The Treatment Program!
This is so different than my life has been
It's one of the things that I've loved about The Coffee Oasis
Constantly having the opportunity to set new vision, to dream and plan and strategize and then seek to implement with others how we could best fulfill the mission to which God had called us
Every day could be so different
Maybe yesterday's focus being on how to improve and expand housing options for youth experiencing homelessness
Whereas today's focus might be on how to strengthen our coffee businesses for them to be more profitable in supporting our mission
While tomorrow's focus could be a seminar on building donor relations, or attending a specialty coffee conference or having a site visit with a potential funder
Now...I'm climbing My Mountain "one step at a time" as the song goes
And I'm finding that I don't do very well with the same thing every day
(and my respect to those of you whose days are that way!!)
I can't rush it, make it happen quicker, strategize it away or set a vision for it to be better or different
It is the same thing...the supplements, diet and detox...every day
Done very strictly and routinely the same way every day
Day after day after day after day...
I can understand if some of you are thinking right now
"Buck up Dave!"
Two weeks down and only 102 weeks to go!!
Or, maybe, more...
That seems like an eternity to me
The same exact thing, 24/7, day after day after day
You get the idea
What am I going to do?
I need to find purpose IN this new daily that is mine
The thing is...I know all the answers!
I've been pretty good at sharing them with others
Now...in the crucible of My Cancer Journey I have the opportunity to seek to live them out
To really experience joy and gratitude and contentment in this new daily that is now mine
I know I should have figured it out by now
And be writing right now of how great I'm doing...every day
(please don't think that every day is horrible-I have good days!)
But here I am...still needing your prayer and appreciating so much your support
Thanks so much for standing with me in this daily learning journey
We walk with you on this hike , each steep, exhausting, mind and heart boggling step.
ReplyDeleteNo answers... just presence and love .. and in the midst of the journey. God is there too.
Hike on buddy!!!
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." Eph. 3:16-17 read also, verses 18-21 Encouraging words. May He strengthen you. :)
ReplyDeletePraying my friend.
ReplyDeleteNo words of wisdom for you, just lifting you up.
I have no idea why it calls me "unknown" when I have selected my profile in the reply box. Just assume that anything profound or poignant from "unknown" is from Greg Walker.
DeleteIf it's obnoxious or offensive, it was obviously someone else 😁
Thank you Dave for allowing us to travel with you on your journey. Praying that God brings you miraculous healing. You will stay in my prayers always.
ReplyDeleteYou will love forever as you have done so many wonderful things for kids through Coffee Oasis. You ARE an ICON! I'm sending prayers and good vibrations your way. Keep up the fight and remember - Miracles Happen!
ReplyDeleteI am here for you every step of the way. I know we only met less than a year ago but immediately you and your beautiful family had a place in my heart
ReplyDeleteI can come change up your day just let me know.
I know that song! I know that album! Good choice. ‘I can do ‘most anything through Christ who strengthens me. Even climb a mountain....I’m playing it in my mind, and praying for you and Cindy.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts frequently and therefore you are in my prayers frequently. It is indeed a hard journey and a big change in life. Thank you for sharing your journey - I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI am praying each day for a successful journey. Thank you for all you have done for the kids and for those of us who have enjoyed your wonderful food. I ask God to give you strength and good health so you can continue your Coffee Oasis program.
ReplyDeletePastor Dave -- thank you so much for sharing. You have impacted so many, profoundly, for so many years. Your entire family is in my prayers.
ReplyDelete- Andrew Alexander
I am so sorry to hear of this journey you are on. I admire you and all that you have done for our communities. I have had the opportunity to be in the Coffee Oasis on numerous occasions and I so appreciate and love what you have brought to the Kitsap peninsula and now Tacoma! I also have battled cancer and I understand completely the ups and downs that you are experiencing. You are surrounded by people that love you and admire you and are praying for you. I want to thank you for sharing your journey with all of us and allowing us to send you prayers for peace,healing and strength.
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't already using it, please research frankincense. It has been shown to help with some cancers. Check studies at PubMed. Praying.
ReplyDeleteWe love you, Dave! Please keep sharing, and know that it's OK to share the struggles. Continuing to lift you up daily in prayer.
ReplyDeleteI remember that Psalty song! So glad Megan sent me your blog so I could follow along your journey. I think of you often and praying for you! ~Callie Peterson
ReplyDelete