Day #14

I just spoke with Laura this morning and her white blood cells are at 0.36 which is like 360.  That’s up from 0.16 four days ago.  Her hemoglobin (red blood cells) and platelettes also stayed the same which is also good.  If they drop, it doesn’t mean anything but the fact that they are going up and staying the same are really good.  So that’s encouraging.  Laura’s spirits have been pretty good lately as well so keep praying for encouragement and a sense of peace through this time.

I’d like to share about a situation that occurred a few days ago.  As I was sharing with someone updates with Laura and I, I was asked the question if I get out and exercise.  My understanding was that initially this question was asked out of concern wondering if I’m able to relieve stress this way.  I stated that I really wanted to but haven’t been able to have the time.  Then with a face of confusion was asked, “Why not?”  At that moment, I felt as if I was on the defensive having to justify why I wasn’t able to have time to exercise.  I actually started explaining details of my schedule but sensed this is just not right.

Then I stated that finding time to exercise and exercising itself has always been stress inducing because it’s never been relaxing for me.  I’ve always felt I had to do it out of duty and obligation to my health.  The response was, “I’ve never met anyone like that.  Why does exercise help me so much?”  Maybe I was being overly sensitive but I really felt insulted by the responses.  My response was simply, “Because I’m different.  Not everyone finds relief from stress exercising.  I have friends who find great relief from exercise but not me.”  The look of confusion remained but I couldn’t help feeling insulted.  I know I’ve gained weight through this experience.  I’ve eaten more and been more sedentary than I have been in years.

I guess I share all of this to explain ways that we can be hurtful without meaning to.  One of the ways we can be hurtful is by simply not being willing to understand and accept another person’s way of thinking or experience.  I find that many Christians have been guilty of this very thing; not accepting people for being different.

I’ve been going to counseling to keep up with everything in my heart and my family’s hearts through this past six months, and my counselor shared one time that most people are uncomfortable with different.  I’ve found this to be true consistently, especially as I observe people’s reactions and behaviors to one another.  I’m amazed at how much we don’t seek to truly understand one another when we’re very different.  From my understanding of the Bible, there are way more verses on unity than there are with correct theology or thinking.  I think that should say something to us about what God cares about.

I’ve had time to process this interaction and understand that this individual often has a difficult time understanding people who are different.  Because of that, I have compassion for this individual and hope that there can be growth in seeking to understand and know others better.  My encouragement is for all of us to grow in truly knowing one another and valuing and appreciating each other.  So many people who have loved us through this time period come from very different backgrounds.  All of you think differently, look differently, live differently and I so value and appreciate each one of you.  Thank you for adding so much beauty to Laura’s and my life by your uniqueness.  We love each one of you.

Love,

Brad