Last night as we were studying Romans 5, the leader asked us a question about grace. We further discuss that even just getting up in the morning, we should be grateful already.
I had a liver transplant back in '91. I still remember being in the ward with other kids who had liver transplant as well. There couldn't be anymore than 4-5 of us. I was the oldest one in the ward (I was 11). Since I was little, I never gave too much thought about death or the odds of me surviving.
The transplant technology was still new back then and many suffered complications afterwards. I knew two kids didn't made it b/c their body was too weak to accept the organ.
There was one kid that came from South America. He had a liver transplant plus a kidney transplant. In fact, they implanted a third kidney to keep him alive. Sadly to say, he didn't made it either.
Just recently, as I reflected on the past, I started to realize how fortunate I am to be alive. I've seen a lot of negativity on getting old. One day is one day closer to death.....
I look at it the other way.
I should have been six feet underground when I was 11. If it's not for God's grace to come down and save my life, I wouldn't be here. Each day is a bonus. Waking up in the morning is a gift.
There are a lot of people sick and dying in the hospital. I am sure a lot of them hope they can just be normal and healthy.
Whenever my perspective focus on job/promotion/money. I tend to forget about all the things that matter to me.
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Just before the finish line at Half Ironman Canadian. I finish strong. Nice and relax. |
Next year I will be doing an Ironman. Ironman USA. July 22, 2007. To look back and acknowledged that I once had cancer. I was saved and brough back to live despite how I don't deserve this gift. I no longer have a Sunday School definition on grace. I have an answer that is dear in my heart.
I have a strong desire to do more than just the Ironman...so far I haven't given deep thought about this. Whether it will be raising money to fight cancer, raise awareness of organ transplant...something will be done.
............
Please sign a donor card. Without someone generous to donate their organs, I wouldn't be here today.
Donate Life America
Organ Donation & Transplant Association of Canada
24 comments:
Very touching, Cliff. I think many of us (myself certainly included) take our health for granted. It truly is a blessing to be here and able to do what we've been blessed enough to be able to.
I am a firm believer in modern medicine and the powers that be (be it God, prayer,whatever)- or my daughter, me and my husband wouldn't be here right now! Seriously!
Sometimes god is good...why he takes others is still beyond me.
A beautiful post.
Cliff,
I also enjoyed your post. Grace IS an amazing thing...far more complex than we could ever imagine. I'm very thankful for it, for it's by grace I'm saved, too.
Jay aka: Tri-dummy
Is always good to step on the ground and feel how lucky we are as being healthy and alive.
Thanks for sharing this thought Cliff
I signed up years ago to a organ donor...before it was the "right" thing to do.
Hopefully I don't have to make good on that promise for 40-50 years!
What an inspiring post!
As one who sees sickness and dying on a daily basis, I, too, understand the importance of having Grace in one's life. Colors are deeper, smells are richer and sounds vibrate thru ones soul.
Here's to good health, but especially, knowing how to enjoy it!!
May God continue to bless you Cliff.
AMEN
eh, can't say much bout the religous stuff since I'm as far from it as one can be but just wanted to say good job for signing up for the ironman, can't wait to hear how you training goes getting ready for this thing.
Cliff,
What an inspiring post! Hope all is well with your training. Any chance you'd be up for a Lake Placid recon mission around early June? I was thinking about doing some swim/bike/run training on the actual course before doing it for real on 7/22/07.
Hi Cliff, I can certainly relate to the challenges you face.
Here's to your continued good health and all the best in July 2007
Beautiful post. My brother was premature by 4 months, and developed Retinal Blostoma - Cancer of the retnia when he was only 2. I had to have his left eye removed and the socket reconstructed. Myself, I started to lose 3/4 of my hearing through unknown means when I was 16 and have now stabilizied. Being spiritual is something that keeps us going.
You've been through so much. It's amazing. You're going to do great in your IM next year. Btw, I signed my donor card!
Great post Cliff- I've been signed up as an organ donor for years now.
Hey, nice post Cliff. Hope you are having fun swimming today!
It is amazing when you think about it. What an amazing story you have to tell.
psst...you're slacking on your posts!! :P
Very emotional, and definitely congratulations on coming so far...so far from the cancer, so far from where you were before you began training. I have enjoyed seeing you grow so much and I cannot wait to see it all pay off in the Ironman. Best of luck and God bless
That's a fabulous message to us, Cliff. Your witness is inspiring. Would you mind if I carry your name with me on a note card during IM Fla? You can read about why I'm asking at my blog.
Stay tuned...
Beautiful. Thank you for this.
Too true, it ain't about money nor fame, it is about His grace, His love, His peace and His unspeakable, unshakable joy.
I Praise God for His plans for you, that in preserving you, He has made a channel of blessing for others which you now are.
Hey Cliff, thanks for dropping a note on my blog. Glad to hear you've enjoyed a good season. That is so cool you are going to be raising money in your IMLP efforts. Be sure to keep me posted.
God bless,
Brad
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