9 Months to Live

I read a story about a couple who, after getting married, only had 9 months until the husband died of cancer. They were a young couple freshly out of college, and were married with the knowledge of this short time left. As I imagined this scenario, I imagined a somber 9 months of dread always knowing that each day was a day less of life.

As I continued to read about this couple, it surprised me to learn that those who saw them behind closed doors observed that the entire time they: “faced the giants, resisted them tirelessly with never a complaint or bitter edge, laughed their way through, smiled and thanked and praised their way through.” What more beautiful words could be spoken about a couple in this situation?

As I thought about this story, it occurred to me that in light of eternity we all only have about 9 months to live. And in this fallen world, we are all fighting our own battles against the “cancers” of this world, as is our spouse. There are trials we are all facing, mountains that are hard to overcome, and sinful natures that ultimately lead us to death. Just like this wise, young couple, we have a choice to make. We can take the easy road of self-pity, disappointment, regret, and bitterness. Or we can choose to say, “Hey, we’ve got 9 months here together, let’s make the most of it!”

Did you know that in the face of trials you can choose to fight for your family? Did you know that you can go through hard times without complaining about everything you don’t like? Did you know that in the midst of facing battles, you can choose to laugh with your spouse, and smile? Did you know that even though you’ve been hurt you can make a choice to thank the Lord for the good things in your life and praise Him for all that He will continue to do in it?

In light of eternity, what are you going to choose to do with your short “9 months” you have with your spouse here on earth? Will you begrudge them for their “cancer”? Will you resent them, belittle them, and ignore them? Will you choose to sit in darkness with them as you draw the shades and just wait it out? Or will you make a decision to love them, fight for them, and embrace them through every battle that you face? I can tell you that one of those choices has a destination of only darkness and death and the other is a road will lead you directly toward light and life.

It was said of the husband in the story that he “loved relentlessly, forgave quickly, fought tenaciously, and served The Lord loyally and passionately.” Will the same be said about you?

Lord, please help me see just how important this couple’s example is to me and my spouse in our short time here on earth. Life is too short for me to hold on to bitterness, and be critical of the burdens I have had to share with my spouse. Love comes to help lift burdens off of others, not attack them or give up on them as they carry them alone. My marriage is worth fighting for! My family is worth fighting for! They are gifts from You and I want to choose to laugh and thank and praise all the way to the end. Please God, help me to forgive and move forward toward the life that You have for us. I believe that as I travel toward You, You will help me love my spouse in a way that brings light into our marriage.

http://www.charismanews.com/us/43258-23-year-old-oru-grad-dies-of-cancer-with-wife-of-9-months-by-his-side

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