The Real World

Did you ever play the game of Life as a kid? I got to each time I went to visit my cousins because they had the game.  I remember asking for it and my dad saying, "I do life everyday and don't want to play it".  Those words came back to me this past week...."I do life and don't want to play it". 

As we grew up there was MTV and the Real World....anyone watch that?  It's where they took a handful of college aged kids and "put them in a house to see what happens when people start to get real".  I remember watching the show, seeing their house, the set up, and thinking, geez, that doesn't look so bad?  Why all the anger, fights, and yelling?  And, again, I'm sent to think about my dad's words, "I do life life and don't want to play it".

What happens when we do life?  Well, it is a roller coaster ride filled with all the emotions you could name and some you didn't know you had until you are climbing up that hill ready to plunge down.  If you are lucky you have some family and friends along for the ride.  And, if you are blessed you know the Lord and realize he is with you throughout the ride, went before you, and will never leave your side.  But it is easy to be distracted by life and loose track of your focus on Christ. 

This past week was a doozy for myself and my family.  I finished up radiation and made a game plan with my doctor on what to do next.  We were also served with court papers over our past due homeowners dues.  Today, as I'm gaming up to start chemo light Ted isn't going to be by my side.  He's going to be in court trying to get things settled with our homeowners association.  That is why I'm reminded of my dad's words about "living life" and that my Heavenly Father has my back, walks beside, and in front of not only me but Ted today. 

Ted looked at me this morning and said the heck with the court let them garnish his wages and he would go with me.  I told him that I would cancel my appointment and go with him.  Why?  Because both of us realizes that today we really need one another.  Remember the Real World slogan "watch what happens when people stop being polite and get real"....well, there is our reality. 

• My health issues within the past few years I've had my uterus removed because of pre-cancerous cells.  Tried to work through have cancerous cysts and a mass on my ovaries & finally had to have those removed.  Had that surgery & the mass that was the size of an grapefruit burst in my body sending cancer cells all over.  I was told it would be all right, not to worry but it isn't all right.  I had cysts removed this past spring and winter from my intestines.  And, that is why I got radiation and am seeking to try to trust the doctors and nurses and what they are telling me to do.  

This morning I'm left with the thought that the real world is pushing in our family again.  It is shoving us into a corner and we pray for God to be merciful to us, bring peace to our hearts, and let us walk in strength, integrity, and honesty.  Those aren't characteristics that the real world likes in my opinion.  The world would rather have you be broken, dishonest, and ruthless.  That is why Ted and I prayed together before he left that we show our strength, integrity, and honesty today.  That we allow God into our hearts and our inner turmoil and bring his peace. 

I've got to admit this morning that I'm not defeated but I am upset, hurt, crying.  I know I'm not alone because God is with me but also because he blessed me with my daughter who is walking beside me today too.  I know as I travel into KC and give it all up to God that he will take it and surround me with his peace. 

Do you feel the world pushing, people?  Do you feel like you are in the corner of life and can't get out?  Call on Jesus right now!  Let him free you from the corner of the "world" and allow him to bring peace to your heart, mind, and spirit.  Just typing that brought peace to mine.  I'm now ready to go live life and not to play life. 

Peace be with you- Sherry