Reflections from the Home Team October 10, 2015

 

“The man who is at the peak and the one who just failed are exactly in the same position. Each must decide what they will do next”.

 

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

I wanted to take a moment to update you since my last Reflection in May. I just had my regular check up in Iowa City this past week. Things are looking positive with regard to my counts and I’ve developed a routine of sorts to deal with the side effects of treatments.  There are ups and downs, but I’m happy to report, mostly ups!  I want to offer a special thanks to my doctors and medical support team for the time and efforts they have given to assist me in dealing with the occasional setbacks one deals with as a cancer survivor.

That brings me to this reflection.  As I watched the beginning of this year’s MLB playoffs, I couldn’t help but think of the storied histories of the Pittsburg Pirates and the Chicago Cubs, both of whom have had their share of frustrations and setbacks in seasons past. These clubs have had the desire to win and become playoff contenders at the start of every season, but have encountered obstacles along the way which have often been difficult to overcome. Things such as injuries, surgeries, age, youth… all of which have contributed as setbacks along the way.  I see many parallels in the journeys of cancer survivors, but something very important to remember is that there is an upside to setbacks…

Setbacks can help fuel new dreams in each of our lives and provide great life lessons for each of us. The struggles we face can help motivate us to reach new heights in our lives.  I have to admit, it’s not always easy to adopt this mindset when faced with the “curveballs” life tosses our way, but by adopting it, we can deepen our relationships with others and most importantly, with God. They also provide the opening to learn some lessons that success cannot teach by developing in us the kind of patience that waits on God, and in turn, trust Him for the strength to endure. As James 1:2-3 points out; "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance".

I have several close friends and colleagues who are experiencing difficult trials and setbacks at this time with family and friends and I know they are being tested just as I know many of us are being tested. Prayers your way, knowing that He will provide the patience and strength to endure those trials.

Just as Pirate and Cub fans were reaching out, hoping that the battle they faced against each other in the one game playoff would go their way, we need to remember that both clubs had overcome setbacks along the way to reach the goal of being a PLAYOFF CONTENDER. Both clubs ENDURED and PERSEVERED!  As cancer survivors, and in fact as anyone who works to overcome the challenges of life’s struggles, we need to become “LIFE CONTENDERS” by enduring and persevering.  

For those of you who are Cub fans, congratulations on your 4-0 win and may the success continue.  For those of you who are Pirate fans, congratulations on a great season! For both clubs, and for each of us, please remember a quote that was shared with me recently… “The man who is at the peak and the one who just failed are exactly in the same position. Each must decide what they will do next”. May we each decide to endure and persevere to reach new heights in our lives despite what trials and setbacks life may toss our way!

Yours in life’s battles,

Dave

Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG
http://reflectionsfromthehometeam.blogspot.com/

Link to Vimeo: Reflections from the "Home Team"... Go the Distance
http://vimeo.com/53873087

 

Link to: Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU