'Tis the Season

I've been doing a lot of thinking amidst the craziness that these few weeks have been. Questions of "why" have been plaguing my mind, as I'm sure it's been plaguing those around her. It wasn't a question of doubt, it was a question of complete confusion; complete lack of understanding. I still don't understand the "why"s and the "why her"s, but during a conversation with her I've had a hint of insight into the great gift of God.

I don't really remember the details of the conversation, but at some point she said "I really don't like this. I'm ending the year ill." (Okay, translation is *quite* rough) And ... I said that she wasn't ending the year ill, she was ending the year healing. I mean, like most first generation immigrants, she didn't go to a doctor for regular checkups. Her breast "abnormality" was caught by a volunteer doctor who was doing general checkups at her church. From there on, things just happened. She got a second, more detailed examination, got a biopsy, got a second opinion, then got three surgeries. All for free (for the surgeries she had to get medi-cal). The third surgery was successful, meaning that they removed all the "abnormal tissue." Immediately after the third surgery, she got an infection, from which she is still recovering.

I know God loves her, as only God can love. Immensely, intensely, and eternally. So I have faith that He's healed her in the best way for her. Quickly, and all at once. I know her, and she would definitely prefer to get all the healing done at once than a little at a time. She will end the year healing, and she will begin the new year healed. God's special gift to her. A healthy year. It's hard to think of the healing that is occuring when one is in pain, but she has done that: she has been grateful and gracious through the whole process, never letting her present condition cloud her selfless attitude, her loving heart, and her servant's life. God has blessed us immensely these couple months, and ... I can't fully express all that I've felt and thought as I watched her struggle through this. I can only say.. praise the Lord, for He is good, let His grace abound forever. 'Tis the season of healing.