Taking Notice

My good friend, Karen learned earlier this year that she had cancer. I was so sad to learn that she was ill and had to go through surgery then a regiment of chemotherapy. We have continued to communicate with each other during her surgery and therapy. We have laughed and cried while sharing experiences, praying for needs and being friends through the process. Karen has been an incredible prayer warrior for our son James through his treatment as well.

She had a PET scan this week which would reveal the results of her six month chemotherapy treatment. She received word yesterday that her cancer is gone and her scan was "all clear". It was so great to be able to celebrate her healing and share the joy that she and her family are still experiencing. We are thrilled for this report!

I realized something very profound while I was thinking of Karen's experience. Two years ago if she would have shared this news with me, I would have felt sad and I definitely would have prayed for her because I love her so much. However, the depth of compassion that I have now for someone undergoing cancer treatment as opposed to two years ago is enormously different. Isn't it true that when "life" touches us in a profound way, we are forever changed?

The first time I noticed this change was in the grocery store 18 months ago, only weeks after James' initial diagnosis. I was strolling through the aisles in my usual fashion. While zipping in and out of the produce section, I noticed someone walking VERY slowly in front of me. I began to grow impatient and wondered why they were moving at a snail's pace in my speedy lane! As I was trying to move my basket around them, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Take notice of this person". It took me a second to move out of my impatience and actually look at the person in front of me. The person was a little older and wearing a knitted hat over an obvious chemo-induced balding head. Within seconds, my attitude of impatience was turned to an attitude of compassion and grace. I also found myself realizing how inwardly-focused I had become.

Since that time, I now take notice of people who might be wearing wigs or hats to cover their chemo-baldness and pray for their healing. I take time to stop, stoop down and speak to small children in wheelchairs or hold the door open for Mom's struggling with lots of children in tow. Believe me, I'm not sharing this to elevate myself, it's more the realization of how out of touch with others I had become before James' illness and the Lord's prompting to simply "notice" others.

Jesus notices us. He sees our struggles and knows our areas of anxiety and greatest need. He's never too busy or tired to listen when we pray. The word of God says that He has counted every hair on our head and knows us intimately. He knows us.

In Luke, Chapter 13, there is a beautiful story of Jesus noticing someone in need:
Luke 13:10-17 (New International Version)
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

I love the scene described in this story. Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues. It was a rather typical setting for Jesus. As he's teaching, he notices this woman who was crippled and bent over. He calls her forward, places his hands on her and she immediately was healed. Jesus noticed her. He stopped his teaching and brought attention to her need and healed her physical ailment.

We have the opportunity to be the arms of Jesus to reach out to others who are hurting. We can speak words of encouragement, strength and love to those who need kindness. Through our words and actions, we can make a difference in other people's lives simply by stopping and noticing. Additionally, God will use the most difficult trial as a catalyst for grace for those around us who are experiencing the same struggle. I believe it's the miraculous work of God who can take anything, no matter how difficult it once was, and use it for good. I am so thankful for those who have been through difficulty and take time to share their wisdom gained with me.

Stephanie