Publicly Traded Companies live on the “quarter”. They always have and always will. Shareholder demands for growth, profitability and market share create relentless pressure on “quarterly” earnings. Companies report their financials and the executive team MUST deliver at or above expectation every three months …. or they are soon replaced.
In many ways, Irene is living on the QUARTER. Every three months she travels to UCSF for her physical checkup and BLOOD test, the ultimate “quarterly report” indicating whether or not the AMYLOID remains in remission or otherwise. Her very life hangs in the balance. We’ll be at UCSF this Thursday, September 3rd, for that very reason. Treatment protocol is dependent upon the results of the AMYLOID test. As we close in on the quarterly testing date Irene naturally becomes concerned and two major questions always arise:
- Is the Amyloid still in remission?
- If the Amyloid isn’t in remission, what lies ahead?
However, here’s a random thought …. How many of us are living with an undiagnosed disease? We’re going through the “motions” of life and haven’t realized that the next visit to the doctor or some other unforeseen event may trip us up with a surprise diagnosis. Oftentimes we journey through life without a care …. or perhaps the opposite is true …. we are “purpose driven” and focused …. ”busy” with family, work and a social life …. when suddenly life takes a radical and immediate twist. Not often enough do we pause and reflect on the ultimate issues of life …. perhaps because they’re too convicting to do so.
Are not all of us only a heartbeat away from eternity? Eating well, taking care of our physical bodies and living an upwardly mobile lifestyle are futile and will never ultimately satisfy.
God’s Word is abundantly clear:
In his hand are the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10
Yes, public companies live on the quarter and Irene has her amyloid testing at UCSF on the quarter …. but we rest in the hand of the Almighty, who doesn’t live on the quarter, but, rather, gives each of us life and breath.
Caminando con Fé,
Dave
