This is the time of the year when we see all those self-help articles touting a few easy steps to a better life. The popular ones usually don’t demand much in the way of personal sacrifice, which is why they sell. They tug at our emotions to set New Year’s resolutions to be healthier, happier, and richer.
“Get In Shape, Now! Ten Steps To A Healthier You Without Exercise Or Dieting!”
“Take Control Of Your Finances: How To Buy Whatever You Want Without Having A Budget.”
“Get Promoted At Work This Year: Five Steps To Making Your Boss Notice You Without Having To Work Hard.”
I don’t set resolutions. I have nothing against those who do, but the facts are that most don’t work. I figure if there is something in my life that needs to be improved, why wait until January 1? I do set goals for the year, however, and have since about 2006. Usually they are a mix of personal and professional goals that I believe will make me a better husband, father, Soldier, disciple, etc. The goals are reasonable, but not easy to achieve, lest I not really grow from the challenge.
This year is no different. This New Year’s Day brings it’s own set of challenges, far different than in previous years. In 2012, for instance, one of my goals was to run my fastest half-marathon. I achieved it, but this year I’m taking a few steps backward with the goal of simply finishing a 5K. I set the goal of having a successful command tour in 2013; that was quickly derailed and now my goal in 2014 is simply to get back to work. Funny, I had the goal in 2013 of starting a blog about leadership and personal development. That one turned out a little different than I anticipated. Another 2013 goal was to “Learn the Gospel.” I haven’t gotten it all figured out, but I have certainly experienced it like never before in my life.
So, as you can imagine, my number one goal in 2014 is to “Survive Cancer.” A supporting sub-goal is to have a “Successful Stem Cell Transplant.” And so to achieve these I am again on an airplane flying to Houston. This time Christi is with me, at least for the first week or so. It was difficult to leave our girls again this morning, but we know that are in good hands with their Nana. Our time at home over Christmas seemed so short, especially since I developed a severe skin reaction to the radiation and spent the better part of a week confined to the couch. Still, it was a blessing to be with my family.
This trip could be the endgame. I am scheduled for myriad tests, including a biopsy, MRI, and CT scan, all of which must be good in order to progress to the transplant. Lord willing, I will be admitted on Jan. 15 into the hospital to begin chemotherapy, with the transplant following about a week later. After the transplant, we will stay in Texas for about four months so that I can be closely monitored.
So this New Year really does offer a chance at a new “me.” A successful stem cell transplant will give me new bone marrow, a new blood type, and a new lease on life. Out of this fragile, haggard body of mine will come a new creation. From the wasteland of cancer will spring new life, bursting with praise and thanksgiving for the Creator of life.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 41:19 NIV)
I have other goals, too, like reading eight books and passing the Army Physical Fitness Test, because I trust that God will see his promises through. I am coming out on the other end of this mess as not just a new me, but a better one. It would be impossible not to be changed by such an experience, and I am confident that God has and will continue to do a good work in my family and me, not only in our physical bodies, but in our character and souls, as well.
Here’s to 2014! Bring on the New Year.
Your writings stir me and bring me to tears. Here is to believing in faith that God will help you meet your goals for 2014. Prayers continued for your healing.
Thank you so much.
2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Amen.
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