Patience

Today my family and I met at my mother's house and had a head shaving party. I wanted my grandson to watch my head being shaved so he wouldn't be scared of me. My niece Hayley cut my hair while the rest of the family took pictures and had a good time. My son still wants me to shave my mustache, but I'm just not ready yet. I'll attach a picture so you can see my new look.

I've always been a patient man when it comes to big issues like bargaining contracts or fighting fires, but I'm not so patient with life's little issues. When getting ready for work at 4:30a I've been known to wake up my entire family by yelling, swinging open doors, and flipping lights on looking for a hair brush. Having cancer has definitely given me a lesson in patience. Not only do you let the little things go and focus on the big picture, but you are also forced to do a lot of waiting. I will spend hours waiting for a doctors appointment at MDA, but I don't mind and I'm thankful for the great treatment. Several months ago if a doctor were running late I'd get irritated. I've noticed at MDA cancer patients are nice people. They no longer let life's little annoyances irritate them. It's a shame you have to get sick to realize what's important in life.

Although I've learned patience, I'm a terrible patient. I've always been active and I'm having a hard time sitting around. This week I've had a great deal of stomach pain and it makes me nervous. In my heart I know the chemo is working but doubts still enter my mind from time to time. I'm ready to KNOW the chemo is working and for my life to return to normal. I have to remember that I'm not in control. God has a plan for my life and although I don't know His plan I need to trust that He knows what's best for me. I must have patience and wait on his timing. It took being diagnosed with cancer to slow me down and force me to stop and listen to God. Do you take time to stop and listen to God? To praise Him? Are you prepared to be patient and wait for his timing? To follow His will for your life instead of your own?

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

It may look like I have a lot of hair left, but it was falling out by the handfuls. It was only a matter of days before it was all gone. Once my hair was shaved I felt like my ears doubled in size and my nose grew 3 inches.