After our morning worship service today in the Upper Room, I was engaged in a conversation with two friends, one currently in cancer treatments, and another who is recovering from a bout with a similar cancer last year.

As we talked about the treatments and the toll they take on life, work, relationships, etc… I commented that I remembered how this same thing affected my friend Steve. Even though he “survived” his cancer — it was always difficult each 3 to 6 months when he went in for a check-up. It would always be a very real struggle with fear and anxiety… was it coming back?

Really, we are all in the same boat here. None of us knows when we will die — we only live like we do. We plan ahead, save money, put off things, and expect to do things we really want to sometime in the future. Yet, at any moment we could drop dead, or be a victim of some tragedy, or we may already have a terminal illness creeping to the surface.

Cancer victims have this one advantage: they are reminded every day and most waking moments that it could all come back. They are much more aware of their mortality. They should be able to live with a better perspective on life – enjoying it to the fullest at the moment, and rejoicing and giving thanks for every new day of health.

Shouldn’t we all live like that?
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Update July 29, 2006: The friend who is currently in chemotherapy above, sent out an email last night with news that his cancer treatments are working, and his cancer is virtually gone! Amazing!