Reflections today

  It is the first Sunday in June, 2018, and I will not venture forth to church this morning simply because I am recuperating from the 27th (?) round of chemo (Folfirinox for pancreatic cancer) from Tuesday.
   So I have been reflecting this morning on what I have just been through again...I go through it every 3-4 weeks and wonder again why and how.  Then, the lyrics of an old hymn came through my head, and it brought me back to "life".  Well, as a matter of fact, after going through the nausea, weakness and yes, terrible pain and diarrhea from the chemo, I am feeling much better today.        The pain and diarrhea lasts maybe 1 hour, and then I am starting to "heal" again.  It is a cycle.  The nausea and weakness lasts a few days and is finally "expelled" through the diarrhea as I see it.  Then, the weakness continues, but, after 5-7 days, I am feeling "myself" again.   The cycle continues as I continue the therapy.
    So, this morning this old hymn phrase started going through my head.  I am grateful for Google since, even if I type in a phrase, it comes up with the whole text, and here it is:  "some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood"..... of course, we always apply life to our circumstances which seems a little selfish, but then, we are selfish when it comes to our feelings and heart aches.  So, I looked up the hymn and it is called, "God Leads Us Along".   I don't particularly care for the tune, but, I read the lyrics and applied it to myself of course.
    I had just experienced another round of "going through the fire, the flood, the waters, and great sorrow" so to speak!   (Exaggeration but applicable:)  Of course  I realize that my situation is not like many who are going through much worse than I am, but, it helps me to realize that "God gives the song in the night season and all the day long".   Literally, this is poetry based on Isaiah 43:2!   "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you"!
    It is true, this chemo passes you mentally and physically "through the waters", through the hard part of wondering why we have to go through pain and suffering, but, this morning, I have gone through it once again, and here to tell the tale:):):)
    God has brought me safely through another round, and I have 2 weeks to look forward to feeling well, participating in regular daily activities. 
Thank you Lord for once again showing me your ways.