Watching paragliders descend from alpine heights through the steep shadowy valleys is alarming for the bystanders (and possibly for the “pilot” hanging on strings below a nylon sail). I’m told it also gives a fabulous adrenaline rush. Three cheers for the willing victims… er, participants. Some valleys are frightening to ordinary people (me, anyway!).
I’ve chosen this photo for this reflection because I’ve just been through a valley myself… the “ride” has had highs and lows, tears and exhilaration. This pic seemed to fit.
This is my journey so far.
A few years ago I was unexpectedly diagnosed with bowel cancer: a smart G.P. picked up on a clue during the annual checkup. A couple of weeks later I met a surgeon who drew a diagram and said “This is what we’ll do.”
And he did. Praise God, he removed all the cancer and I was given the all clear last year. Smiles all round!
This January, I was invited to do the annual screening test. It came back positive for blood signs. Suddenly the grim prospect of cancer returning turned the world grey and gloomy. It knocked me sideways… It might be cancer, it might not, a colonoscopy is needed urgently. If the cancer was back, the outlook was at best “complicated” and at its worst possibly terminal. That sort of news plays havoc with the emotions and causes worries about those left behind. Is this the last Valentine’s Day card I will give Juliet? Will she cope with being a widow? Those thoughts have to be thought through and it’s NOT nice.
But as a Christian I know death isn’t the End. Faith and prayers and hopes and fears turn into a kind of spiritual jumble sale… There were comforting scriptures from Isaiah and the Psalms, and supportive prayers; but thoughts swirl like a hurricane.
I won’t fully describe the prep for a colonoscopy. There’s a drink to glug down, some quite long antisocial moments communing with… anyway, food-free and thoroughly empty I went to see a nice doctor with a special camera. He even took pictures (but I won’t post those!). Then he gave me the result.
No cancer. A small benign polyp removed, a “minor” medical condition described… but what remains of my innards are healthy enough for someone of my age. Oh, the relief! Oh, the joy! Hugging Juliet followed.
Cue the celebrations, and the praises and thankfulness. Suddenly the gloom of the valley lifts away. Of course, there will be a day when I die: all the faith and theology helps… and the time spent over many years of walking in the footsteps of Jesus gives assurance about Divine Love and destiny. Nonetheless, when “normal life” is torpedoed by the unexpected, our whole being is affected. Body, mind, emotions, spirit… and we shouldn’t pretend that the shock leaves us smiling and completely fear-free.
Coming to terms with the ultimate reality is challenging: yet God’s Presence is alongside, and our trust in Christ will never be disappointed. Like so many believers through the years, I found there is one Psalm that holds the confidence of faith in the face of all the experiences of our mortality. And the Promise of Jesus guarantees our destiny- for however many days of life the Lord has set out as our portion. Perfect Love DOES cast out fear!
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honour to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honour me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
The Reflectionary 