By Sister Janis Yaekel, ASC
I am Sister Janis Yaekel, ASC and I have pancreatic cancer. In fact, I have lived with cancer since 2012. I hope to share in my blog my journey and my reflections on the presence of God in my life. It is my hope that those who read my entries will find strength for their own journeys.
The past week has been tough.
Two weeks ago, I had hardly any side effects from the chemo, but this past week has made up for it. The type of fatigue or weakness I experience after chemo is hard to describe; a virus has given me a double dose of weakness.
I have learned that I just have to hang in there till it is over. There is nothing to do for it except allow it to run its course.
I am a great sports lover and appreciate watching the Cardinals during chemo week. Of course I want them to win, but for me, win or lose, they are something to look forward to in the evenings. I am also a big football and hockey fan, so in the fall and winter I can still get my sports fix. Many of the sisters who live at our Ruma Center enjoy watching sports too, so when I go over for a meal there is usually at least a mention of the game. I suspect that there are a lot of patients out there who can relate.
I read once that prayer is all about our listening to hear God say that we are loved. I spend about a half an hour in the morning just sitting in silence. I wait on the Lord to speak. Occasionally, I will get some word from God during that half hour but more often than not that half hour just makes me more aware of God speaking throughout the rest of the day.
These aren’t dramatic encounters, just subtle sounds of love that come through many different avenues. It could be the expressed concern of Sister Alan, with whom I live. It could be the refreshing laughter of a friend, or the crazy antics of my kitten.
All are reminders to me that God is present and blessing me.
God is an everyday God, coming in the everyday moments.
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