When you walk the path of a terminal illness, you have to learn the hard lesson of receiving. This is something little kids do not need to learn. They love to receive! When does that change for us? Perhaps we have the “more blessed to give than to receive” line (see Acts 20:35) in our minds so that we find it easier to give help than take it. If we search our hearts, however, we would also have to admit that it is wonderful to receive. And if we go down to our heart of hearts, we see what lies there: pride.


I have had to let others set aside their lives and desires for me. I’ve had to trust my children’s care to others. What I really had to release my grip on were my pride and my illusions of control. Certainly, I would rather be strong and giving, but what I have learned from being broken and receiving has taught me more of Jesus than I otherwise would have learned.


Look to the greatest Giver of all, and you will see the stunning beauty of the truth that He laid down His life for us. No greater gift has ever been given!