Today I woke up in a lot of pain. Well, that happens every day actually but some days are worse than others…today was one of those. Normally I would take it really easy for the day, getting lots of rest, yet moving a bit here and there so my muscles don’t get even tighter.  Today , however, I got up (slowly) and made my way to the coffee pot. After the first cup I called my dearest friend to see how she and her family are holding up as they just lost a family member to cancer last week. By the time I was done with that phone call, I had finished 2 more cups of coffee. I guessed it was time to get myself ready for the mini road trip I was making with my niece and her kiddos.

I love kids…and my niece…and my family…. and people, but you see when I wake up feeling like I did this morning, I really don’t want to see ANYONE. I feel that it takes everything I have just to focus on not hurting. I might read my bible a little longer than usual, or read my book, or research something along the lines of, “how do I get rid of this pain”. Then I might go for a little walk to loosen up my muscles. Then start all over.  Today though was different. I had already committed to this trip with my niece and I couldn’t back out last minute. I couldn’t stay in my jammies and lounge around all day anyway since I’m not at home. So I put on my “I can’t show how much I hurt today” face and some comfy clothes and got ready to go.

Once my niece and her kids arrived, we loaded into my car and hit the road. It was a nice drive with wonderful company and conversation. When we got to the town we intended, we did a little shopping (very little) and then went to lunch. Finally it was time to go see my grandmother (the reason for the road trip). When we walked in, she was just sitting down to play BINGO with the other residents. She didn’t recognize us or the kids, but she sure was happy to see us. She loves the attention and hugs, but mostly the little ones. Some of the other residents lit up with almost as much joy as Grandma did in fact. We only stayed about 10 minutes because we didn’t want to interrupt their game. Today was the third time I’d gone to see Grandma in a week…last week I went twice and had one of my own grandchildren with me each time. The precious priceless look on Grandma’s face when one of her great great grandchildren walks in the room is something I hope I never forget. I’m hoping to go again very soon and I hope I have a little one with me when I do.

It’s hard to think about the time a person has…or doesn’t have. You see, Grandma is in her 90’s now and although she has some common health issues that go along with being as seasoned as she is, she has now been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer with no treatment coming. She understands and accepts it and even seems a bit happy about it…she’s “been ready” for some time now and is looking forward to seeing Grandpa again. I know that she knows Jesus and therefore I am happy for her…..however, it doesn’t make it easy for those of us that will miss her.

I woke up in pain today. I continued on in pain today. As I conversed with my niece, I was also still very aware of the physical pain I was in during the drive and the shopping and such….. but when I saw Grandma’s face light up, my pain was gone, if only for a few moments. I saw a beautiful woman who is also always in pain and knows she has a terminal condition and yet was simply happy to see family (whether she knew us or not) and play BINGO with friends and just be….

Although she didn’t recognize our faces today, she always recognizes the love and I want to show her as much as I can in these few months she has left.

No matter the pain. No matter the circumstance. May my FOCUS always be first on Jesus and the cross and then….. today. May every “today” be a glorious blessing. And may we strive to be a blessing to others every …today.