🌈Rainbows of Joy

"...the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud;" ~Genesis 9:14

"I trace the rainbow through the rain." -George Matheson

In the midst of clouds and darkness, God has sent beautiful rainbows to brighten my days. These rainbows came in unexpected ways as I reflected on the turn of events which happened last week. One rainbow appeared because my original chemo was not working and the docs attempted to try another chemo. This chemo had the potential to weaken the heart muscle so I needed an echocardiogram to confirm that my heart was healthy. There I was in the familiar setting of the heart department with nurse Chelsea who administered the two hour long ultrasound test. The first thing she said to me while attaching the electrode patches to my chest was "You have a congenital heart defect and now you have cancer. It just doesn't seem fair." What a perfect opportunity to share my faith in Jesus and so I began to explain that our society talks a lot about physical well-being but not a lot about spiritual well-being. Then I shared the gospel with her and the reason I have true peace and hope despite living with cancer. She listened intently. When the test was over, I asked if she would like to read two pamphlets on cancer and eternal life. She agreed and asked if I would leave them with the desk clerk. I put a package together in the waiting room and wrote her a short note expressing gratitude to God for bringing us together. In closing, I wrote out John 3:16 with her name in it.
The next day we were at Mayo again and God sent another rainbow our way. We happened to be walking through the Methodist Hospital when we ran into Lee and Kathy from the Iron Range. Lee also has cancer and is receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic. What a nice surprise to see them. We talked for a brief moment, encouraged each other in the faith and paused for a word of prayer. Refreshed in heart, we went on to our next appointment rejoicing in the Lord.
Leaving Rochester that night, I thanked God for sending rainbows of joyful moments with beautiful people. The shine of heaven was lighting our path and we were enjoying His promise of "the blessing of the gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:29)

ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE RAINBOW!

I WANT YOU TO KNOW HIM

I have a Savior I want you to know,
One to whom closely I cling;
One who is with me wherever I go,
Jesus, my Lord and my King.

I was a captive—my ransom he paid,
Made me an heir to his throne;
Now I rejoice, and am never afraid,
He will not leave me alone.

Will you not meet him, this Jesus of mine?
Why not in him be made whole?
What shall it profit with all the world thine,
Gained by the loss of thy soul?

Come to the cross of my crucified Lord,
Learn of his power to save;
There let the sins of thy heart be out-poured,
There claim the promise he gave.

I want you to know him,
I want you to know him,
I want you to love him, too;
I want you to know him;
To know is to love him;
I want you to love my King.

(I Want You to Know Him by William M. Lighthall)