THREE

// March 22, 2022 // THREE //

Kristi’s third chemotherapy treatment is underway. Her blood count is right where we need it, her platelets are good, and her attitude is positive. She had a great week leading up to today.

Three marks the halfway point. Bon Jovi put it this way,

“Woah, we’re half way there. Woah, livin’ on a prayer. Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear. Woah, livin’ on a prayer”

The fact is that we are living on prayer. Our prayers, your prayers. God has heard your cries for help. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God has intersected our lives with amazing people!!

Kristi’s oncologist called this journey a marathon. This is not a single short sprint or even a 2 mile race – it is a marathon. I have always wanted to run a marathon. I have trained several times. I haven’t made it past the halfway point – 13 miles. No matter the desire or tries, I haven’t done it. I have heard that the most difficult part of a marathon is after the halfway point. The next 10 miles feel worse than the first 13. Fatigue sets in, muscles begin to cramp, bones ache, gumption wastes away, and every step feels heavier and harder than the last. I am so impressed with I see those long distance runners. They seem to never tire. For me, it has been the end of the road at the typical half way point of the race.

I have equated Kristi’s cancer journey as a war – a war with many different battles. She has made it to the middle of this war as of today. (Total transparency – only God knows if we are truly at the half way point). Her oncologist is optimistic that we are on the downhill side. He also has given us insight on what’s coming. He said the last half will bring fatigue, lower levels, and pains that the first half might not have inflicted. Her war continues whether we are in the middle, just getting started or at the end.

My expectation and hope is that God will do more than we can ask, think, or imagine. He has carried us this far. We pray that we continue to rest and trust Him.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20

Three is also significant to us as followers of Jesus.

Three is the number of Trinity – Father, Son, Spirit.

Jesus prayed three times in the garden before His arrest.

Jesus was hung on the cross at the 3rd hour.

Three hours of darkness covered the earth while Jesus hung on the cross.

And,

Three is the number of days and nights that Jesus was in the grave before He rose again!

Three is a perfect number. It’s also just a number. Kristi is at 3. Soon she will be at 4, 5, and 6.

We are again amazed and grateful for modern medicine, skilled doctors and nurses, comfortable places to receive treatment, and all of our friends and family that faithfully pray for us.

Ray Rhoton

#kristiswar #warriorqueen #jointhefight