When 2020 started, everyone looked at the year and thought ... perfect vision. Even the annual meeting for the company I work for was titled, "Perfect Vision." At the end of January, my sister and I made settlement on our home and moved back with our father. Which was ... Perfect!!!
Then March came and the world became very familiar with the words novel coronavirus or COVID-19. As the months dragged on, we realized that our January 1st vision filled with hopes, dreams and infinite possibilities, was now that of the walls of our homes, the faces of our family, and the computer or the television screen. Mask making, mask wearing, and mask etiquette were now commonplace. Zoom meetings became the only way to safely see your relatives and friends or meet with business associates. Toilet paper became a hot commodity along with Clorox wipes and baking supplies. Not that we didn't know, but nurses, doctors, and first responders were/are considered essential workers along with grocery store workers, truck drivers, waste management workers, and a whole host of others.
What we should have seen coming but didn't was the intense reactions to the racial inequalities due to the horrific deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd -- just to name a few.
We should have seen the political battle that was brewing and continues to divide many friends, families, neighborhoods, and churches, but we chose to see only what we want to see and hear what we want to hear!
For me, 2020 was a year that I would not like to see again ... EVER!!! Through the 9 nights in the hospital, the 9 rounds of chemo, 2 intense allergic reactions, several CT scans, the endless blood work, and the numerous doctor appointments, the Lord was with me always and somehow, I was able to find joy through it all. It wasn't easy, especially during the days following chemo treatments, when I felt like a slug, but I tried and usually succeeded.
At my last doctor visit on December 29, I received good news that my CA-125 had even gone down a little bit more. PTL!!! My doctor also gave me a choice ... do nothing and come back in 3 months or start on a maintenance drug called Zejula which has many, many side effects. I would also need to have blood work and a doctor visit once a month. After much prayer, research, and discussion with my family, I have decided not to take the drug. It was also a sad day. My oncologist's last day at MDA would be December 31. He has taken a new position that was closer to his home & family. I will miss him dearly, but wish him many blessings in his new position. I was truly blessed to have him as my oncologist for 7 years!!!
On top of all my medical issues, I saw my employment disappear at the beginning of April. And although I was able to collect short-term disability until mid-June, it has been a 6 month battle to fight for my unemployment benefits and I am still waiting to see my money. However, things are starting to look up!!! In fact, I have been in contact with a representative of the state who is assisting with my unemployment claim. I was also contacted by the HR department at my job to see if I was interested coming back, but to a different position. Again, after prayer and discussion with my family, I emailed back that I was indeed interested. Now, I'm just waiting for all the details.
In Matthew 6:33, it states, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." What things??? The verses prior explain "what things." Verses 31-32 tell us, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." Although unemployed and doing chemo, God took such good care of me. I didn't worry about food or drink or clothing or roof over my head or finances or my hair growing back or anything!!!
This song by Josh Baldwin has been playing on Christian radio over the past several months. When I listen to the words, I think, this could be my 2020 theme song. This line in the chorus gets me every time, "I see the evidence of Your goodness, All over my life."
Goodness you say??? I know what you're thinking ... 2020 was a dumpster fire at best!!! The lock downs, the fear, the anxiety, working from home, students learning from home, protests, death of loved ones, hospitalizations, and the list could go on and on and on. BUT, I urge you to SEE the goodness of God all around you. Did you witness a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a blooming flower, a butterfly flitting by, a drive-by for a birthday, a wedding on Facebook live, a smile from a friend or neighbor??? Did you enjoy a cool breeze after a hot day, laughter, a hug or a chat with a loved one??? Those things plus many, many others are the goodness of God. I urge you dear readers, don't focus on the bad things of this world. Focus on the the kingdom of God!!! That's where you find true joy!!!
Prayer requests:
- Next blood work - March 25 - 7:30am ET
- Next Doctor appointment - March 30 - 1:00pm ET
- That my unemployment issue would be resolved quickly!!!
Only by His Strength,
Sandy
PS - I'll also be posting the Bible study I entered in the Proverbs 31/First 5 app on Friday, January 8. This would have been the day it would have been on the app if my entry had been chosen. ☺
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