Occasionally it’s good to reflect on the past. These past five years have been quite eventful.
In early 2018, I first became aware of an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen), which prompted my first visit to a local urologist.
Cautiously, I researched available alternative approaches to the recommended surgical removal of my prostate. Thankfully, at least in my case, that decision proved a wise move.
After two mildly invasive procedures at UCLA Health in 2019 and 2021, followed by SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) performed by Dr. Justin Voog at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in mid-2022, it appears I’m on track to — hopefully — being cancer-free one of these days.
These past five years were certainly filled with many other challenges as well. There was my five-day hospitalization in the COVID-19 Unit at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where I celebrated my 77th birthday.
Fortunately, thanks to wonderful physician and nurse care, I was back in the office just a few weeks later and substantially recovered within a few months.
In fact, within a few weeks I was pushing my golf cart up and down the hills of Santa Barbara Golf Club with the kind assist of several golfing buddies who would occasionally give me a boost in their golf carts.
These past five years certainly have been challenging financially, since my business income suffered while business and other personal expenses actually increased. The inflationary trends we have all faced these past couple of years have exacerbated many facets of our lives and the lives of those near and dear to us.
Like many, we’ve had to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices in our lifestyle. But early last year, a close friend informed me there was a very good possibility I might be eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits and after much effort and several months patiently waiting, we received good news from Uncle Sam.
Those VA disability payments have allowed our family to not only regain our financial footing, but also allowed us to benevolently help family members and others suffering financially.
Through it all, I continue to work and write and sense God’s provision. I know that He’s not ready for me to slow down just yet! There’s much to do and I’m prepared to serve others and my Lord for years to come.
What I consider most significant these past five years can best be explained by my acute awareness in seeing the Holy Spirit at work in all aspects of our family’s life.
Through it all, we’ve trusted in our Lord to get us through the many challenges we’ve faced. And, through it all, we’ve been amazed at the many intangibles and how the Peace of God has enveloped us.
I trust you, too, are experiencing the Peace of God during these turbulent times. If you are not, may I be so bold as to ask you to read the Passages to Ponder that follow this discussion.
God has a wonderful plan for your life and His Peace is available to all who trust and follow Him.