8 p.m. ….

“…. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

This journey is affecting and growing EVERYONE who is intimately aware of its circumstances.  I see it, read it, hear it and feel it.  Forgive the personal reference in today’s update, but my own “empathy” and “compassion” quotients are being elevated to stratospheric levels.  Let me explain a brief example.

I walked into a Starbucks today and noticed a large group of people with “Downs Syndrome” enjoying coffee and each other’s company.  The Holy Spirit “awakened” my emotions as I was thinking about the journey that many of those people are on …. those who are perceived to be weaker in this world …. the sick, the lame, the young, the aged, etc.  It’s not that I didn’t care or think about those people up to this point in my life.  I did.  In fact, as a police officer in a “past life” my focus and priority was to protect those in greatest need.  But what happened today was at a deeper, more profound level.  I had an acute sense of spiritual awareness that moved me beyond personal observation to “deep human interaction” even though we never exchanged a word between us.  They weren’t even aware of my feelings or thoughts but I related to them and loved them from afar.

Irene has always been very sensitive in this area.  She’s always had deep empathy and compassion for others.  She’s demonstrated this sensitivity with her acts of kindness and quick smile to all of those around her, especially those with obvious need.  In fact, in this area, she’s my role model and my hero.

Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis and took her by Starbucks on the way home.  Irene actually went inside …. her first official “outing” since being home.  Irene rested this afternoon and tried her best to ignore the chronic nausea.  However, we do have a “skip” in our spirits today because of the affirming UCSF visit yesterday. Thanks for your continued prayer cover ….

I want to smile more and be “driven” less.  I want to talk less and listen more.  I want to do more of the important things and less of the urgent things.  And for those who know me, you’re probably aghast at my confession!! I want to live my remaining time on this earth with even more intentionality …. and for the “purposes of God”.

I want to live a more reasonably paced life …. because God is working deeply and powerfully in me and in all those who love God and who are called according to his purposes.

Caminando con Fé
Dave