I’ve been asked to share a little about what it is like to experience a joy-filled life with a cancer diagnosis.

First, I need to point out the difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is dependent upon our circumstances. Circumstances change, so we are not always going to feel happy. Joy, on the other hand, is a gift, and we can experience joy, regardless of our present circumstances. Much like the gift of salvation, joy is yours for the asking.

When I was first diagnosed, it was a shock, but I knew immediately that I had a choice. There were many things completely outside my control. I had no power to affect what the cancer would do inside my body; the one and only thing I could control was my attitude, so I made a choice to have a positive attitude. I belong to the King, and I can fully trust Him to always do what is best for me, whether it seems like it or not at the time. I believe that God always answers our prayers. It’s not always the answer we were looking for, which is how people get confused and think God has not answered, when sometimes the answer is no because God has a much better plan.

Looking back over the parts of my life that have already happened and are now part of my personal history, I can see how faithful God has always been to do good things in my life. He has brought people into my life that have been gigantic blessings, many of whom are sitting in this very room.

As I look forward, I recognize that none of us know what the future holds. There are really only two options for the end of my life. Either I will die, and because I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the promise of the future is eternal life in the presence of God, reunited with all the people I have loved who have gone before me into heaven, but I will be temporarily separated from the people I love who are still on earth. The other option is that Jesus returns before that and takes everyone who belongs to Him (myself included), and no one experiences separation again. Obviously, I don’t actually know how that’s going to work, but my joy comes from knowing that God knows exactly what He is doing and He will make it all happen in accordance with His will.

The next stretch of my life before death is filled with possibilities. I want to experience my sons falling in love with Godly women. The first one did so well that his brothers will have a very hard time keeping up, but it is possible. I have a wonderful husband, and I want to spend as much time and make as many memories as we can. I have grandchildren whom I still have time to build into their lives and make more memories. How much time I have will be a mystery until the time God calls me home. But as my dear friend Dave Laugerman said to me while he was in the hospital fighting for his life, “I have not heard the voice of Jesus calling me home, so until I do, I’m staying right here!”

Most importantly, I know that decisions about eternity have to be made before death, so what people decide now can determine their future for all eternity, which is a lot more significant than the span of a lifetime here. I never want to miss an opportunity to help a fellow sinner receive the free gift of eternal life, so I’m looking out for every opportunity to introduce my best friend Jesus to anyone with ears to hear and a heart to receive the greatest gift of all time.

I would encourage everyone to go forth in joy, knowing the final earthly chapter will look about the same for all of us, but you have the opportunity to seize joy and make it your own. Don’t let that opportunity to live your best life pass you by!