A New Perspective

Have you ever climbed up on your roof, or climbed a ladder and noticed how much more you can see, how different everything looks from a different perspective? Some times in life we get caught up seeing things from a narrow, limited viewpoint and that can be frustrating and discouraging.

Last night Josh was moved to a new room (G1239) because the pediatric floor was full and there were 2 kids in the ER needing a room. Since Josh is healthier and closer to 18, they warned us earlier in the evening that it could happen. The room is actually bigger and the bathroom is nicer.

The staff seem just as nice although we miss the nurses and doctors from the 10^th floor. The most noticeable difference is the view. Josh’s new room has twice as many windows and a better view because we are higher up and facing a little different direction. Before we were facing a parking garage and could see the sides of other buildings. Now we have a view over those buildings and can see the top of Reliant Stadium. We also over look the helipad for St. Lukes Hospital next door.

This morning in my devotions I read about the condition we all face called sin. The Bible tells us that the ultimate result of sin is death. That is like a terminal illness. Josh is here being treated for a medical condition that will cause death if not treated.

Each one of us faces a similar condition. Because of sin we are all facing death. We are told (and if we are honest with ourselves we would agree) in the Bible that every one of us has sinned. No of us likes to admit our faults, just like Josh didn’t want to admit that he was sick. But without help, Josh’s condition would have continued to get worse.

Sometimes we see little sins in our lives and think that they are not a big deal. But untreated, sin like leukemia, will just get worse. Would Josh go back and get re-infected with leukemia after he was cured from it? Of course not, so why would we go and allow sin to take hold in our lives after we have been freed from the hold that sin has on us.

In Romans 6 we are told:

12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Sometimes changing your perspective helps you see more of where you are. Today, if you have let sin take control of your life, choose to live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Josh's Blood count numbers seem to be improving. He received blood products last night so that is part of it, but his ANC number which has showed 0.00 for 4 days (and should be 1.70 - 7.30 in a healthy person) is showing 0.01 this morning. Not a lot to get excited about, but some days we will take everything we can get.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We continue to hope and pray that we will be discharged Friday to come home to Dalhart.