Blessed by a brain tumor!?!

Recently, I've learned first-hand that blessings often come to us in the most unexpected and unpleasant packages. I've been absent from fellowship for a while because I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a meningioma. (Benign brain tumor that arises from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.) Many times, meningiomas exist and intervention is not required. However, mine was wrapped around my right optic nerve and also around a branch of my carotid artery. Continued growth endangered both my sight and my life. I must admit, I did not feel blessed when I received the news that immediate brain surgery was indicated. I was flooded with fears about finances, not being able to work, painful recovery time and more. I knew right away that God was calling me to set the right tone for my family and also to demonstrate His presence to everyone concerned. Through this experience, I grew like Miracle Grow had rained down and penetrated the hard ground that had formed over the roots of my faith! Here is a short recount of the many blessings I received as I walked through this experience: 1. My divorced parents and their spouses came together in support of me. They had a meal together at my home the night before my surgery, held hands and lifted me up in prayer. Those of you who have divorced parents know exactly how wonderful this day was for me. 2. I received exceptional, tender nursing care and became aquainted with caregivers experiencing difficult times in their own lives. I was able to love them during hard times in their lives while they were loving me! This was an excellent lesson about how ministry goes both ways. We all need to minister to each other. 3. My sight was restored! My vision went from 20/70 to 20/20. Not only am I tumor free, but I no longer need eye glasses. 4. I struggle. Every day, I struggle to complete tasks that were once easy for me. I can't think straight and no longer have a photographic memory. Some physical tasks are harder to complete. I am often in physical pain and tire very easily. Through these struggles, I've discovered that I am desperate for Jesus! Everyone struggles. When life is too easy, we forget how much we need Him and how abiding in Him instead of relying on our ourselves is where we need to be. I want more than ever to experience the completeness in Him that I cannot provide for myself. 6. I have felt the Lord's comfort and presence in very PROFOUND ways! I always wondered how I would feel in the moments just before going under anesthesia for a dangerous surgery. Would I feel afraid? Would I acutely dwell on what might be the last moments of my life? None of the above. I felt overwhelmingly comforted. I knew I was safe and had the comforting knowledge that, no matter what the outcome of the suregery, I was HIS and I was SAVED. I wouldn't trade that moment for anything! 5. I've noticed 1001 ways to minister to others daily. Not only has my sight been restored, I've been equipped with new eyes that see needs all around me. I'm talking about hidden needs. We can all see and should respond to needs like poverty and hunger, but we should also train our eyes to see needs that aren't on the surface. Pray about that! In the same way that the neurosurgeon opened my head to remove the brain tumor, The Lord has opened my heart to ministry needs all around me. He has opened my eyes to all of the blessings that surround me. My relationship with Him is deeper and I want that for everyone! In the moments of our lives, big and small, the awareness of being in HIS arms, saved and OK, is priceless. He is in control of his Kingdom. We need constant awareness of that as we move through our lives and attend to our calling. Blessed by a brain tumor...who would have guessed? Thank you, Lord for loving me. Help me to learn to love as you have called me to love.