CAUSES

Tonight is the annual Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. I've been looking forward to it for several weeks and I'm excited about being a part of it. I'm hoping my bones co-operate long enough to walk a few times around the track. with my family. Our family started participating in this 2 years ago in memory of Katie's dad, John, as a way to honor him and help with the cause of fighting this disease. I believe in this cause, though it's weird because I still feel as though I am supporting it for others and not myself. Even after 4 months, I still sometimes feel like I am in a dream and going to wake up and not have this cancer. But then reality sets in and I know that this cause will help me and others who fight the same battle.

The relay is a nationally recognized cause. It is supported by hundreds of thousands of people. Some walk in memory of loved ones, some in honor of loved ones fighting the battle, some who are fighting it themselves and some who are survivors. The track is lined up with luminaries that will be lit when nightfall comes. Watching so many people walking the track lit with those candles is an absolutely beautiful sight. We have a tent at the high school and I have been busy making embroidered towel to sell at the walk to raise money to give to this cause.

As I'm sitting here making these towels, I have been thinking about the causes we choose to support in our life. Why do we choose to support certain causes? Many causes reap rewards that we are able to see now, such as new medicines and new treatments towards fighting diseases. Sometimes the rewards won't be seen until our children's or even our grandchildren's generation. But we know that by supporting that cause, we are making a difference. If we really believe in a cause we gladly give our time, our talents and our money. We tell others about it. Sometimes we believe in it so strongly it becomes a passion in our life. I believe in this cause of fighting cancer, and I will do all I can to support it.

But for me there is no more important cause than the cause of Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed to say it. I'm excited about it. I want to tell others about it. I want Him to have the first of my time, talents and gifts. I believe that supporting His cause can make a difference. And the rewards that we receive by supporting His cause will last for an eternity! ALL PRAISE TO HIM!!