beWARM

By the grace of God, on this day our dear friend Milan is celebrating his ReBirthday. Thanks to the miracles of modern medicine,  he received the precious gift of a new liver, 14 years ago!

 For Milan, this was his second transplant, after an earlier one failed – so he knew full well the challenges he would face as he recovered from the surgery.

His wife Jan, also a dear friend, served as his champion caregiver and cheerleader extraordinaire as he regained his health – and his life.

Milan has said that he thinks one of the reasons God allowed him to go on with life was so that he could continue to care for his patients as a cardiologist. (and he is an outstanding one at that)  And speaking of hearts, Milan’s outpours with love and generosity to his family, friends and patients at all times.

It is no easy thing to endure such a surgery – but, if you have faith, and the will to live, as Milan did, much can be overcome.

Here in Santa Fe, our friend David  has a new life for the same reason; he had a  liver transplant  this summer. He too has a cheerful and dedicated wife and friend, Ellen, who delights in the progress he is making as his health returns.

David’s personal mission field is that  of reaching out to those who are struggling with addiction, and walking along side them with encouragement.  His ministry is that of truth – and hope. David has touched many people with his warm and engaging personality.

I wonder how it must feel to come to that definitive moment – before the surgery, when the severity and risks of the procedure become so real…and then the awe, wonder, thankfulness (and naturally, the worry) that arrive upon its successful completion.

How does a person begin a new chapter, a rebirth…a fresh chance at living?  Anticipating  the arrival of the lifesaving organ must elicit much reflection and evaluation – of life as it has been, and of hopeful vision of a new and improved existence.

For those in need of  organ transplants, one’s condition must be of a critical nature to be put on “The List”. Next comes “The Waiting”…in hopes that the right match will arrive…before it is too late.

At this juncture, the concept of  control is relinquished, perhaps to fate in the minds of some;  for others, surrender – to God’s will  -becomes their operative word (no pun  intended).

 Again, by the grace of God, most of us will never have to have an organ transplant – but, if we think really hard, isn’t there some part of us that, could use a “remodel” –  a transformation?

What cerebral “cancers” have permeated our minds, distracting us from the joy and peace we so desire?  Might we need an excision of that spot of bitterness, or a radical resection of that mass of fear and doubt?

Maybe our repressed anger could be assuaged by a few sessions of radiation –  of God’s warm, unconditional  love.

God continually gives us the chance to be “reborn”, by giving us the opportunity to discard destructive habits and attitudes, thereby turning our hearts toward Him.

Once Milan and David  agreed to be put on the liver transplant list, their only option was to wait and hope…and trust.

On the other hand, we have the freedom to choose….and to act on our decisions regarding our self-improvement procedures.

To Milan – we celebrate your many ReBirthdays with the fullest joy. And David, we look forward  to reveling  in your continued ReBirthdays.   We admire the courage and conviction  you both have – and your example.

As we  consider the blessing of  your  lives, we  have  renewed apprecation of our own.

May we all be reborn in the littlest ways each and every day…

And let us be thankful that the choice is ours.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self….  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4: 22-24