Fresh Start Devotionals

Friendship My doctor told me after my last radiation treatment, “You’re going to be one of the survivors.” Though a doctor can’t pronounce a cancer patient cured until the lapse of five years, I think he is right—I’m one of the lucky ones. I count myself lucky because of my return to health, and because of the love my friends and family. Friendship is so valuable that it cannot be repaid with anything. How can I ever repay the friend that comforted my son the day of my first surgery? He was so worried about his Dad that he broke out in hives. She was there for him. How can I ever repay the Church that stood beside me while I couldn’t preach? How can I ever repay the preachers that filled my pulpit? I never used to cry at weddings, but lately, I choke up every time—especially while the bride and groom are exchanging vows. The words richer or poorer, sickness or health, and ‘til death do we part, used to be ordinary words to me. The word “cancer” changed the importance of these words to me forever. With Susan, it truly was love at first sight. She was, and is, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. Over the years, I’ve learned that her beauty is more than skin deep. There has always been a lot of love in our home. We’ve always had a really good marriage, but something’s changed. To be honest with you, I didn’t know the meaning of our wedding vows until Susan showed me what they meant over the past year and a half. Our trials lead us into a deeper relationship. Though I’m not glad I had three surgeries in 12 months, I am grateful for what the suffering taught me about love and friendship. How can I ever repay Susan for the love she’s shown me? The only way to repay friendship, is by being a friend. Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).