Do the Next Thing

I have a dear friend who is dying of cancer. Her cancer is incurable, but treatable; the treatments will eventually be the cause of her death. She is a wife and a mom of two school-age children. 

We taught together for one year, back in Japan during the early 90's. Then, a few years ago, our paths crossed again as we both made return trips to Japan after ten years of being away. Some might say it was a coincidence that we happened to return to Japan the same weeks. I know it was one of those "surprise" gifts from God. 

My friend was always very open about sharing her love for Jesus with the young people in Japan. It was her passion. Now, more than 15 years later, she continues to be a light as she walks with Jesus through the valleys of cancer, looming thoughts of death, struggles to be there for her husband and children when she has little strength left. 

Here is a poem she shared on her blog.

Elisabeth Elliot

Do The Next Thing
(quoted by Elisabeth Elliot)

From an old English parsonage, down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration--"DO THE NEXT THING."
Many a question, many of fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, "DO THE NEXT THING."
Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, "DO THE NEXT THING."
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee, "DO THE NEXT THING."

Please pray for my friend and her family. Please pray for so many who struggle just to go on day to day. May we all learn to live to without fear of tomorrow (or regrets of yesterday), tracing that nail-pierced hand of the Lover of our souls, the Giver of life, the provider of quiet...calm...rest.