“Treasures of Darkness” illustration by Gary Gaede
Advent Day 12 – Thursday, December 13
“Awake, you who sleep. Awake from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:14
My wake-up call came around Thanksgiving 2016. Three days before it, my husband, Lon, and I were preparing for the big holiday as our six adult children were coming to Wyoming to be with us. What a feast and homecoming we were planning!
The next morning, Lon asked me if I was going to play pickleball. I tried to answer but couldn’t talk. I tried to get up, but couldn’t walk. How could that be?
Lon took me to the emergency room: I had suffered a mini-stroke. And from there I spent the next three days in intensive care, for while scanning for blood clots, the doctors had discovered a tumor on my lung. My darkness—unexpected health issues—turned into a year of miracles filled with God’s light.
During this faith journey I remembered distinctly one night when I was totally miserable, not able to sleep from the chemo treatment and wondering if I was going to make it. I prayed to God to please give me the peace that passes all understanding.
I will never forget that answer to prayer. I finally fell asleep and when I woke my whole body was relaxed and at peace. I experienced that light, that peace, in the midst of my darkness.
People were continually and specifically praying for me that whole year. I asked doctors what would help me get well again. A curative procedure to remove half of my lung was a big one! Many prayers were answered. I can walk and talk. I am cancer free. The darkness of my health issues brought clarity to what was important in life. Every day is a gift, and God is good. I am grateful to be alive.
Dear God, we never know what the next day will bring, but we do know you will be with us every step of the way. Thank you for the blessings of family and friends, and for being a light in my journey of miracles. Amen.
—Nancy Monson
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