Jesus said, “There are many rooms in My Father’s house. I will make a place for you.” ~ John 14:2
Dr. Andrew Block rocked back in the
timeworn leather chair that’d become his throne … and cocoon. His emotions waxed and waned; recalling earlier
days – crazy, anxious times building a career and raising a family.
The hectic life of toddlers had given way to the social chaos
of teenagers. Life had slowed to a more mellow
pace. As head of the Oncology Department,
Jack didn't mind white hair or adding a few notches to his belt either.
Life had been good until a just few weeks ago.
“I’m so sorry to have to tell you this.” Andrew had delivered that same line a thousand times. But it never sounded so chilling as when he’d heard the diagnosis of his own pancreatic cancer from a colleague. The words - Terminal, Hospice and Comfort Care - splintered inside him.
It wasn’t dying that scared Andrew. His affairs were in order, his wife and
children were well provided for. He grieved
the loss of life he’d miss; seeing his daughter grow to be a mother and his son
to be a Dad. Not ready to be called Home
by God, he constantly asked “Why me?”
Intellectually, he knew God worked His own way in His own
time for His own purpose. But
emotionally, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to beloved family who’d graced his
life on earth and go to Him, yet.
He had a more pressing duty today however.
Edith, a wonderful Christian patient he’d known for years,
waited in the reception area for test results.
Glumly, Andrew entered the waiting room and spotted the older woman, a
Bible perched conspicuously on her lap, sharing its Wisdom with the young
mother sitting beside her.
He motioned for her to follow him to his office. She eyed the doctor quizzically before
asking, “What wrong Dr. Block, why so sad? Are you still reading your Bible? Are you praying faithfully?”
He spoke in a voice of uncommon warmth. “I’m so sorry to have to tell you this Edith,”
he said, pausing before the gut punch. “Your
lab results came back. The tumor is
cancerous. I’m afraid its terminal.”
Unfazed, Edith replied, “Oh, you silly man! Do you think God makes mistakes? You just told me that I’m going to see my
precious Lord, my husband, and my friends. I’m going to celebrate Easter forever, and yet
you’re struggling to give me my ticket!”
“What a magnificent woman!” Andrew thought. “So genuine; called by her Creator to nurture
others by her faith; the embodiment of His protective love.”
Her words were the "off switch" for his internal
storm. Maybe it was time for him to read
John 14 again and get ready.
Dear ones; I’m so happy and so bright! There’s perfect joy and beauty in His
everlasting light. All the pain and
grief is gone; every restless tossing passed. I’m now at peace forever, safely home in God’s
Kingdom. ~ Dr. Andrew
Block
