The Becoming

II Corinthians 3 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?

Today I am sitting in front of a different fireplace, in a different city, with a different view. A new adventure. Out apartment windows face the beautiful Sandia mountains. The sun is rising beyond them, the city laid out before them and balloons rising in the foreground. It takes your breath.

My Father does all things well. This world is a beautiful place; full of the glory of His handiwork.

We are back in New Mexico at the Cancer Center. It feels like coming home. I have worked with cancer patients in Tennessee, Colorado, California, Georgia, Alabama and New Mexico and have found in them all a common thread. They are people of right priorities.

They are strong beyond what they would have thought themselves capable. They are heroes of hope. Warriors. Valiant. They are glorious. And they don't even realize it.

Something wonderful happens to a person that is faced with their own mortality. Terrible, yes, but marvelous. After the anger. After the sadness. After the denial...acceptance. They become. Strong.

On their faces and in their hearts shine the light of truth. They embrace the things that last. Family. Friends. Love. Honesty. Eternity.

And when they are filled with the Holy Spirit, they shine. From their eyes. From their faces. From their hearts. Even when they are dying they have never been more alive. They are becoming. Glorious.

For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory....Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit.

Father I love You and I am grateful for the life that You have given me, for the career that You have given me and for allowing me to be a small part of the lives of Your people. Give them the grace that they need to face the things that are coming. And when this life is over give them the grace to die with dignity and fall safely into Your arms. Strong. Beautiful. Shining in the light of Your love and mercy. Becoming like You.